
9 Signs You Are Dealing With a Dental Emergency
Are you having tooth pain on a weekend or holiday? Are you near a dentist but can’t get an appointment? Do you want to know what a dental emergency really is?
In fact, it is estimated that oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people. That’s why when something is wrong with your teeth, you shouldn’t wait.
Find out what a dental emergency is, and call your dentist as soon as you notice a problem. Read on!
1. Broken Teeth
If you have broken a tooth and are experiencing pain, you may be dealing with a dental emergency. If the broken tooth is visible, it is important to try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
If the tooth is sharp, you may want to cover it with a piece of sugarless gum or a piece of gauze. If you are bleeding, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth.
2. Knocked Out Teeth
Signs that you are dealing with a dental emergency in relation to a knocked-out tooth include intense pain, bleeding, and swelling. If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, it is important to seek dental care immediately.
Rinse the tooth off gently with water and try to place it back into the socket. If this is not possible, keep the tooth in a cup of milk. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue that may be attached. Apply a cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling.
3. Severe Tooth Pain
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, it is important to seek dental services as soon as possible. This is because tooth pain can be a sign of a serious dental problem, such as an infection.
If you are dealing with a dental emergency, you may need to prepare for tooth extraction or undergo a root canal procedure. If you are unsure whether or not you are dealing with a dental emergency, it is always best to consult with a dentist to get a professional opinion.
4. Abscessed Teeth
There are a few signs that you are dealing with a dental emergency, but the most common one is an abscessed tooth. This is when you have an infection in your tooth that has spread to the root.
This can cause a lot of pain, swelling, and even fever. If you think you might have an abscessed tooth, it is important to see a dentist right away so that the infection can be treated.
5. Bleeding Gums
If you are bleeding from your gums, it is important to seek dental treatment right away. Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, which is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss.
If you are bleeding from your gums, you may also want to rinse your mouth with salt water to help reduce the swelling. If you are bleeding from your gums, it is important to seek dental treatment right away.
6. Swollen Jaw
The most common sign is a sudden and severe swelling of your jaw. This can happen due to an infection or an abscess. Other signs include pain in your jaw, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, and fever.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist or doctor right away.
7. Lost Dental Crown
If you have a dental crown that falls out, this is considered a dental emergency. You should call your dentist right away and schedule an appointment. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help ease any pain and keep the area clean:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to the area
- Avoid eating or drinking anything
- Gently brush the area around the lost crown
If you are experiencing a lot of pain or have any other symptoms, such as a fever, you should go to the emergency room.
8. Visible Damage
There are a few key signs that you are dealing with a dental emergency that relate to visible damage. If you have a tooth that is cracked, chipped, or broken, this definitely counts as an emergency.
Similarly, if you have a loose tooth, this is also something that needs to be seen right away. Anytime you have visible damage to your teeth, it is best to err on the side of caution and seek out emergency dental care.
9. Swelling in the Mouth or Face
One of the most common signs that you are dealing with a dental emergency is swelling in the mouth or face. This can be caused by a number of things, but it is usually a sign that there is an infection present.
If you have swelling in your mouth or face, it is important to seek dental treatment immediately. Left untreated, an infection can spread to other parts of the body and become very serious.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
To prevent emergencies, it is important to practice good dental care habits and to see your dentist regularly. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily will help to remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings can also help to prevent dental problems before they start. If you do have a dental emergency, be sure to see your dentist right away to get the problem resolved.
A Dental Emergency is No Joke
If you are experiencing facial swelling, intense pain, or bleeding that persists, you may be dealing with a dental emergency. Don’t wait to seek treatment!
Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to dental emergencies. The sooner you are seen by a dentist, the better the outcome is likely to be.
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