When a Toothache Becomes a Medical Emergency: Why too many Nigerians wait until It's too late

By Mariam Olayode

It often starts with something that feels manageable.

A dull ache in the jaw. A tooth that sends a sharp signal whenever something cold touches it. A swelling that appears overnight and seems, at first, like it might go away on its own.

Paracetamol first.Then ibuprofen.

Then amoxicillin bought from a nearby pharmacy because someone said antibiotics kill infections.