Imagine you visit a dentist, and someone rushes into the clinic without an appointment, seeking help. That might appear unusual or strange to you, but it’s an everyday thing for the dentist.
Typically, visiting a dental clinic would mean routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, and maybe the occasional root canal. Those are the usual reasons for visiting a dentist. About 65% of Americans 18 years old and above visited the dentist for dental exam or cleaning in 2023.
There are, however, many people who walk in through the dental clinic’s doors for unexpected reasons. Here are a few unusual reasons why people visit the dentist:
#1 Mystery Toothache
Pain in the tooth that occurs from nowhere is one of the more common yet unusual reasons for visiting a dentist. Often, the pain feels like it’s originating from a tooth, but examinations and X-rays reveal no apparent dental problems.
This mysterious toothache is often caused by a variety of non-dental issues. Sinus infections are an excellent example. Sinusitis, or sinus infection, can cause inflammation and pressure in the sinus cavities, which can create pain that feels like a toothache, particularly in the upper teeth.
An unusual cause of mystery toothache could be diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA, or diabetic ketoacidosis, is a life-threatening diabetes complication that happens when the body does not have enough insulin to use blood sugar as energy.
Bradley Tucek’s toothache is a case in point. Tucek, a 33-year-old man, was found dead in his apartment in North Sydney five days after he complained of a painful toothache.
Everyone believed he died due to inadequate care from the dental practice. But the report of a coroner revealed he had developed diabetic ketoacidosis. It further revealed that an infection can cause spikes in certain hormones that counteract the effects of insulin and contribute to DKA.
#2 Advice on Drug-Induced Side Effects
Did you know that many people visit dentists to seek advice on the side effects of drugs on oral health? Yes, that’s another surprising reason to go to a dentist.
Many drugs can cause side effects that impact oral health, such as gum overgrowth or gingival hyperplasia, or dry mouth or xerostomia.
Gingival hyperplasia can result from medications like certain anti-seizure drugs, calcium channel blockers, or immunosuppressants. It often leads to swollen, overgrown gums that can be painful and difficult to clean.
Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, explains that medications such as anticholinergics (Darifenacin), antidepressants (Venlafaxine), and Parkinson’s disease medications (benztropine) can cause dry mouth by reducing saliva production. When there is less saliva in the mouth, the risk of cavities and gum disease is increased.
More recently, buprenorphine/naloxone drug sold under the name of Suboxone has come under fire for causing dental issues. Doctors prescribe the buprenorphine/naloxone drug to treat opioid use disorder or for pain management.
These sublingual tablets or films, TruLaw explains, are designed to be placed underneath the tongue, yet they are claimed to be highly acidic. According to a study published in JAMA Network, prolonged exposure to the drug can lead to tooth damage. The FDA has also warned about the dental issues associated with this buprenorphine/naloxone drug.
A man in Ohio, Keith King, has filed a Suboxone lawsuit for teeth decay, claiming that he suffered from dental injuries after using the drug. He has sued Indivior Inc., the manufacturer of Suboxone, and related companies Reckitt Benckiser LLC and Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd., MonoSol Rx Inc., and Aquestive Therapeutics Inc.
However, he isn’t the only individual who suffered tooth decay after taking Suboxone. Hundreds of people who took the drug reported severe dental problems, such as cavities, tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum injuries. These lawsuits claim that the manufacturer failed to warn users about the risk to dental health. Thus, they claim compensation for injuries sustained.
#3 DIY Dentistry Gone Wrong
DIY dentistry is on the rise, and TikTok is to blame for it. Millions of people are now trying to improve their pearly whites at home. Sadly, they do more harm than good, leading to severe complications. As a result, they run to the dentist to fix the issue.
DIY fillings are trending right now. Videos are circulating on TikTok showing people using non-dental supplies like bentonite clay or at-home filling kits to fix their teeth. This can be dangerous for a number of reasons.
If the kit isn’t sterilized properly, bacteria can be introduced into the cavity. That would exacerbate the issue further. Teeth can also break if the filling material isn’t used carefully. Not sealing the gap properly will allow food particles to enter the cavity, worsening initial decay.
All things considered, dental clinics aren’t the place where people go only for routine and predictable care. A wide range of unusual or unexpected situations can also take people there.
Whether it’s a mystery toothache or DIY dentistry gone wrong, dentists and their teams are always ready to tackle whatever comes their way. So, the next time you visit your dentist, remember their expertise goes far beyond the ordinary scope of dental care.
