There has been an annoying pain in your upper right molar for some time now, but recently the pain has become worse. The pain has you thinking about options like medicine, scheduling a dentist appointment, or maybe even a trip to the ER - but can a toothache be severe enough to cause a trip to the ER?
Actually, mouth pain is enough to send you to the ER - and it happens quite often. Studies show that more than 2 million adults in the US show up the ER with mouth pain each year. In a
2012 study, the
ADA discovered that this number has almost doubled in the past several years. Approximately 10% of all ER visits are a result of some form of oral pain. Furthermore, 80% of these visits were caused by something that is completely avoidable like tooth decay, an abscess, or periodontal disease.
Unfortunately, the majority of ERs are not equipped to deal with dental health issues. Typically, they do not have proper x-ray equipment or a dentist on staff. This means that all the ER can offer is some type of medication to treat the pain, and the root of your problem remains untreated. After the ER visit, most people do not schedule a follow up appointment with their dentist to determine and treat the source of the pain, and end up back in the ER with a mouth full of pain. This cycle is not only annoying, but could cost you a lot of money!
One thing you should know is that most dental emergencies are completely avoidable. The best way to avoid dental emergencies is to maintain regular dental wellness checkups to prevent cavities, plaque and tartar build up, and more. Cavities are the most common
oral health issue, causing pain, infection, and loss of teeth. Cavities can be prevented with healthy hygiene routines and regular dental visits. If you do develop a cavity, it can easily be treated with a filling by your dentist.
Another major cause of dental pain, and a problem that many Americans have, is gum disease. According to the CDC, nearly half of the US population over the age of thirty have some form of gum disease. If your gum disease advances enough, it can cause other problems like a stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. The best way yo avoid, and treat gum disease, is to undergo professional cleanings at your dental office.
If you are in the
Delaware, Ohio area, and would like to schedule a professional cleaning at Dr. Lechner’s office,
contact us today at 740-363-8240 or use our online
form.