A toothache may not sound that bad to you, all things considered. It’s just a slight pain in your mouth that won’t affect you much, right? However, ignoring a toothache can be fatal in some cases. You should have it diagnosed and treated promptly; otherwise, you may end up in the ER. Keep reading to learn about toothaches, tooth infections, and how dentistry can help.
At Smile312, our Chicago dental team is dedicated to providing exceptional care for every smile. From routine checkups to advanced treatments, we combine expertise, compassion, and modern technology to keep your teeth healthy and your experience stress-free. Discover dentistry that puts your comfort and wellness first.
For starters, remember that toothaches don’t come out of nowhere. They often stem from an underlying infection of one (or more) of your teeth. In other cases, they could be the result of physical damage, bruxism, or even gum disease.
A tooth infection (per its name) occurs when harmful bacteria reach your tooth’s pulp. At that time, the microbes can irritate your dental nerves enough to send pain signals to your brain. The resulting ache is often severe and won’t stop until you receive treatment or the tooth “dies.”
If left unchecked, a tooth infection won’t just harm your mouth. It’ll have an impact on the rest of your body and cause deadly problems like:
A tooth infection will sometimes trigger meningitis, a harsh swelling of the brain and spinal cord that’s quite life-threatening. Based on current research, it has a death rate as high as 70% of its cases.
The bacteria from a tooth infection can eventually reach your lungs. In that scenario, each lung would become an ideal breeding ground for the harmful microbes. The resulting multiplication would then result in a high risk of deadly respiratory issues.
In extreme cases, a body can release large amounts of chemicals to fight a tooth infection. This process of “sepsis” causes a chain reaction that leads to widespread inflammation. After enough time, it ends with deadly organ failure.
Thankfully, emergency dentists can treat the infections that often cause toothaches. Their most typical go-to methods include:
While ignoring a toothache can be fatal, quickly treating it can be life-saving! So, see your dentist for a proper diagnosis and procedure soon!
Smile 312 is based in Chicago, IL. Led by the esteemed Dr. Harvey J. Mahler, our practice has been helping local grins for nearly forty years. We’ve always offered preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments tailored to each patient’s needs, and we continue to do so today. That means our team can give your family the smiles of their dreams! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (312)-224-9916.
Our patients’ satisfaction is our top priority. From routine checkups to advanced dental care, we make sure every smile leaves our office healthier and happier.
I can't recommend Dr. Mahler highly enough! He is the best dentist I have ever had, combining exceptional professionalism with deep knowledge and expertise. His team is equally outstanding, making every visit smooth and pleasant. I first came to him after a distressing experience with another dentist, and Dr. Mahler... read more
Experience is always top tier! Staff and doctor very friendly
Flawless.
Just had my first visit to Smile 312 in the Loop—spotless office, friendly staff, and they’ve got Netflix to keep you entertained. Went in for a cleaning and check-up; dropped about $150 after insurance, which felt fair. They broke down the costs and insurance stuff clearly. Scheduling was easy, and... read more
Thanks Dr. Mahler and the dental assistants for providing a professional and excellent service. Update: Dr. Mahler is the best dentist I have had after I visited some other dentists. He is very patient, professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy. He fixed my old crown and recommended another oral surgery expert Dr. Zager... read more
OnI of the most comprehensive and thorough dentists with real interest in the patients and best care for them. I would recommend Dr Mahler to others looking for an experienced and caring dentist. Their staff is also amazing.
The staff is very friendly and helpful. The care I receive is exceptional and the interest regarding my overall health is comforting and reassuring that I am being listened to not just regarding my dental health.
When I first arrived at Smile312, my mouth was in complete disarray—I honestly didn’t even know where to begin. That all changed when I met Dr. Mohler. From our very first interaction, he established a sense of trust and professionalism that immediately put me at ease. He took the time... read more
I’ve been a happy patient of Smile 312 for 20 years. Seeing Dr. Mahler really changed the trajectory of my oral health. Charming office, personable staff, painless procedures, and efficiently ran - Very minimum wait time, if any! I’m spoiled for sure.
Dr. Mahler really took his time with me and made me feel listened to. The consultation I had was a very positive experience.
