Have you ever heard someone mention “masking the symptoms” when it comes to an illness or oral health problem? Are you aware of the difference between making symptoms, so they temporarily go away, versus treating the source of the problem, so it permanently goes away? This can become confusing, can make it challenging to make choices for yourself, and can even lead to complications! Become more familiar regarding this discrepancy, so you may more easily protect your smile and your entire system!
What’s The Difference?
Let’s talk about masking symptoms versus treating an oral health problem as an example. First, remember that a symptom is a side effect of a problem. For instance, if you have tooth decay and it hurts, then you “mask the symptom” when you take a pain reliever. For a short period, you stop feeling the discomfort, so you might be able to convince yourself that the problem is gone. However, the decay is still there. To actually treat the problem, you will require restorative care like a filling. As a result, the decay is gone and, because the source of the problem has been removed, the symptoms disappear for good. See the difference?
What To Keep In Mind
In the dental and oral health world, the over-prescription of antibiotics is a hot topic in regard to masking symptoms versus treating the problem. Of particular interest is the fact that antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, which can leave you vulnerable to infections! Whether you’re self-treating with over-the-counter pain relievers or you’re being prescribed antibiotics, always do the following:
- Agree to necessary treatments that will repair problems, rather than masking them
- Ask questions of your dentist, oral surgeon, doctor, and even your pharmacist regarding potential side effects of medication
- Find out whether prescribed medication is a short-term “mask” or a long-term solution
- Let your dentist, oral surgeon, doctor, and pharmacist know of medications you have recently taken or are currently taken to avoid over-use
Ask Us About Making Wise Decisions For Yourself
Remember that we are happy to help you make good choices by offering information about your oral health, medicine, and more. Schedule the time you need in Rohnert Park, CA by calling Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at 707-584-1630 to schedule your visit today.
