BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – A toothache that starts out as a minor annoyance can develop into a painful problem that impacts other aspects of one’s health.
Dr. Pamela Daniel, Dental Director of CareSouth Medical and Dental said periodontal disease is one of the most common conditions that can lead to other health concerns.
“Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is often characterized by swollen and bleeding gums, receding gums, visible buildup, bad breath, sensitivity to hot and cold, and loose teeth,” Dr. Daniel said. “It comes from bacteria that’s left in the mouth and not removed with proper home care. Sometimes it happens because a person doesn’t receive regular professional dental care.”
She described what can happen when periodontal disease and similar conditions aren’t addressed.
“If left untreated, the disease will get worse,” Dr. Daniel said. “If the area is infected, you need antibiotics. Without antibiotics, the infection can spread to the lymph nodes or other places. It can also cause other problems like mouth odor, heavy bleeding, and general discomfort that makes it difficult to eat or speak.”
“If a patient has a preexisting condition like diabetes or obesity, this tends to make issues such as periodontal disease more prevalent. And studies have shown that plaque in the mouth has been found on valves and blockages in the heart,” she added.
Can I just rely on Tylenol or Advil?
If someone has a toothache, but is struggling financially, they might use home remedies to ease the pain or rely on pain relief medications like Tylenol or Advil.
But experts says it’s important to see a dentist.
“Pain is there for a reason,” Dr. Daniel advised. “There may be a cavity or periodontal disease, or the tooth may be fractured, broken or infected. So, pain doesn’t necessarily tell you what the primary cause is in the mouth.
Seeing a dentist is essential. They have training that allows them to get to the root of the problem.
“Dentists diagnose pain by asking questions about the pain, such as when it started, how long it lasts, and what makes it worse or better,” Adrian LaTrace, CEO of a dental equipment manufacturer called Boyd Industries, explained. “They also examine the teeth and gums to look for signs of inflammation, swelling, or other problems that could be causing the pain. X-rays may be taken to check for decay or other issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye.”
Dentists keep their practices up to date by using specialized equipment that can bring relief to patients and protect them from experiencing related health complications.
“Equipping dental and medical practices with highly reliable, state of the art technology allows the practitioner to diagnose and treat patients resulting in better patient outcomes,” LaTrace said.
Options for affordable dental care
Considering what can happen if a toothache goes untreated, what can a person experiencing financial insecurity do to obtain affordable dental care?
LaTrace said some communities have Free Dental Clinics supported through financial donations and voluntarism by local doctors. These clinics typically offer services at no charge.
Are there any such clinics in Baton Rouge?
Dr. Daniel said, “There are not a lot of places locally. But you can find a federally qualified health center such as CareSouth Medical and Dental. We treat patients that are Medicaid recipients as well as those who may not have dental insurance. People without insurance are placed on a sliding fee scale. This means they pay according to their income, even if they have no income.”
An appointment can be made with a CareSouth specialist by calling (225) 650-2000.
Dr. Daniel mentioned another resource, saying, “Occasionally, you will also see an event that happen once a year called Love Heals. During that event, several clinics and providers will volunteer their time to treat patients for free on a first-come, first-serve basis.”
If you’ve missed this year’s Love Heals event, you may still be able to receive dental care by calling CareSouth.
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