The problem with tooth pain is that one fails to identify how worse it can get till it becomes impossible to bear the pain. A toothache is described as a continuous, throbbing pain. Pain relievers and numbing gels provide temporary relief. Hence, it is recommended to seek an appointment from a dentist whenever the left side tooth pain becomes unbearable. Experiencing a continuous toothache indicates there is a serious problem, and it needs to be handled by an expert.
What makes a toothache so painful?
The pulp inside the tooth is a soft material that is filled with blood vessels, tissues, and nerves. The nerves present in the tooth are sensitive. When they are irritated and infected mostly by bacteria (abscess), a person experiences severe pain. The pain is experienced in and around the tooth, where minor toothaches can be treated at home with some medications. But, when there is a severe infection causing serious toothaches, visiting the dentist is highly recommended.
Symptoms of toothache
Some of the symptoms that people undergo are:
- A sharp, and constant tooth pain.
- A few suffer pain only when there is pressure down the tooth, especially when biting onto something.
- Headache
- Swelling around the tooth·
- Fever
- Foul odor from the mouth
In serious conditions, one might suffer difficulty swallowing and have trouble breathing alongside the throbbing left side tooth pain. In such a situation, seeing a professional dental expert immediately is suggested.
When should one seek professional dental help?
A dentist must be consulted under the following circumstances:
- The tooth pain is extremely intense
- The discomfort and toothache is more than two days
- Fever
- Ear pain
- Pain when the mouth is opened wide
- Swelling in the face and mouth
It is extremely vital that dental infections and toothache are diagnosed properly. When appropriate medical treatment is not rendered, the infection has every possibility to spread to other parts of the face, skull, and even to the bloodstream. Toothaches can be uncomfortable and hinder the quality of life to a great extent. A dentist can treat the pain and also prevent dental infections from spreading and making it a life-threatening condition.
Is toothache fatal?
A left side tooth pain is not fatal in itself. Unfortunately, when a dental infection is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. There is every chance that the person infected with an abscess and experiencing toothache feels sick, and it can convert into something serious, and even life-threatening. Therefore, when a toothache is getting worse with each passing hour, and day, one shouldn’t delay in contacting a dentist and start with the treatment.
Possible reasons for toothache
Abscessed tooth
A tooth abscess occurs when there is pus from a bacterial infection in different places around the tooth. Abscess not only affects the involved tooth but also the surrounding bone and adjacent teeth. When a tooth abscess is not treated, there is tooth pain, and the infection spreads to the jawbone, and the soft tissues of the face, and neck. Furthermore, in rare cases, the infection also spreads to the brain, referred to as brain meningitis, and to the heart, referred to as endocarditis.
Broken tooth or crown
It is of no surprise that a broken tooth or crown can cause extreme sensitivity and tooth pain. Often there are also cases when the crack is so negligible that it is impossible to see, but despite that, one can experience severe toothache and discomfort.
Tooth cavity
Tooth cavity or decay is yet another reason that can bother anyone with toothache and sensitivity. Tooth cavities can be present on the top of the tooth enamel, and even on the sides, even noticing them for a longer duration. When a tooth cavity progresses towards an infection, a person starts experiencing a lingering toothache.
Subject to extreme cold or heat
When there is eroded tooth enamel and exposed nerves, extreme tooth sensitivity is one of the challenges faced by the patient. When the patient eats or drinks at extremely cold or hot temperatures, he/she experiences a sudden sharp left side tooth pain.
Sinus infection
When one suffers from a sinus infection, there is a pain in the jaw and teeth. When there are inflamed sinuses, pressure is exerted on the nerve ending of the teeth from the infection. With compression from the inflammation and infection, one experiences toothache.
Gum infection
Almost 47% of adults above the age of 30 across the world suffer from some kind of gum infection. Also known as gingivitis, when in early-stage, people don’t even realize that they have it. Sensitivity and pain in gums and teeth are a sign of gum infection.
Misaligned wisdom teeth
When wisdom doesn’t get adequate space to come out correctly, it can be misaligned and cause pain in the jaw and the gums. The toothache from misaligned wisdom teeth is more or less similar to the toothache from sinus pain. Often wisdom teeth coming forth through the gum line need to be eradicated because they carry the risk of infection.
Getting rid of tooth pain
A dentist will be able to diagnose the reason behind toothache based on the X-rays, and other dental examinations. The identification of the exact location and nature of the pain helps with the right treatment. Some of the common treatment procedures practiced by the experts are:
- Filling the tooth cavity
- Root canal
- Scaling and planning technique (used for gum disease toothache)
- Extraction of tooth
- Antibiotic prescription
- Periodontal (gum) therapy
Preventing toothache
Good oral hygiene practices prevent tooth infections and toothache.
- Brushing regularly at least thrice a day can maintain dental hygiene
- Flossing is equally important to take care of oral cleanliness
- Professional cleaning once a year maintains oral health and prevents yellow staining
Conclusion
Myriad reasons are possible for left side tooth pain. The majority of them are related to the natural eroding of tooth enamel and gums. Experiencing hypersensitivity of gums and teeth along with lingering pain shouldn’t be neglected. Seeking medical help can rule out any possible underlying serious problem.
