Did you know that oral health can influence overall health and well-being? If your dental health is starting to suffer, you risk damaging your body.
There’s a variety of signs to recognize when your mouth requires immediate care. These are often labeled as dental emergencies. Dental emergencies require immediate attention if you want to protect your oral health and your overall health.
What are some signs that your mouth needs immediate care?
If you think you might have an emergency in your mouth, this guide will help you recognize a dental emergency.
Table of Contents
Blood on Gums
This is usually a sign of a dental emergency. Generally, it is caused by bacteria that have infected the gums and can cause inflammation. If you have any signs of infection in your gums, you need to take immediate action.
If the bleeding does not stop after a few minutes, and you are having any pain, discomfort, or swelling, you should seek emergency dental care for diagnosis and treatment.
Infection can spread rapidly, and if not caught and treated promptly, it could put your overall health at risk. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene, brush regularly, and floss at least once daily.
If you notice any further signs of infection, or if the bleeding persists, contact your local dentist office right away.
Broken Tooth
A broken tooth can be a sign of a dental emergency. This is especially true if the broken tooth is accompanied by intense pain, severe swelling, or bleeding. If a piece of the broken tooth is missing, it should be saved in case it can be reattached.
Other signs of a dental emergency include a loose or knocked-out tooth, protruding wires, or an abscess. If any of these signs are present, it is important to seek immediate treatment.
Treatment can involve repairing the broken tooth, extracting the knocked-out or loose tooth, or taking antibiotics to treat an abscess.
It Hurts When You Chew
This can be a sign of a dental emergency. Pain, discomfort, and throbbing of the teeth can be a sign of inflammation caused by an abscessed or infected tooth.
Tooth pain is often caused by an infection or decay, leading to a lack of proper blood and nutrient flow to the tooth. You may also experience gum swelling, sensitivity to cold/hot temperatures, or a lingering bad taste in your mouth.
If this is the case, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. If the pain is unbearable, you may need to visit a hospital emergency room.
Numbness in Your Teeth
Numbness in your teeth is one of the signs of a dental emergency. It can sometimes be painful or even make it difficult to open your mouth. It can affect one tooth or several teeth, and it sometimes leads to a loss of feeling in the area of the mouth.
If you notice the numbness in your tooth, don’t wait until it becomes unbearable. See your dentist as soon as possible. They will take x-rays to determine the cause and get to the root of the problem.
Your dentist will be able to provide treatment and help you manage any pain that you might be experiencing. Additionally, your dentist can give you advice about preventing further problems related to numbness.
Even if the numbness isn’t painful, it’s important to have it looked at.
Headaches
Headaches can be a sign of a potential dental emergency. For instance, tooth pain can refer to the jaw and create headaches. Toothaches and jaw pain may be caused by sinus issues, tension or grinding, temporomandibular joint disorders, or teeth affected by decay or infection.
There may also be headaches from gum disease or an abscess. The best course of action if you are having a toothache accompanied by headaches is to visit the dentist.
Additionally, severe headaches or one-sided headaches could be associated with rare medical conditions linked to the teeth or jaw, so seeing a dentist is important.
You Have a Loose Tooth
A loose tooth can be distressing and a sign of a possible dental emergency. If the tooth is loose due to an injury or accident, it may have to be extracted. In the event of a sudden or minor accident, a person should seek medical attention right away.
Other signs of a dental emergency involving a loose tooth include severe pain, sensitivity or tenderness, swelling, and infections. In some cases, heavy bleeding may also occur.
If any of these signs are present, it is important to contact a dentist as soon as possible in order to get the necessary treatment. Timely treatment is essential in order to prevent any further injury to the patient’s oral health.
Your Jaw Swells
If your jaw swells, it could be a sign of a dental emergency. This is especially true if you have recently been in an accident or have hit your jaw hard. Swelling can indicate a fracture or infection in the jawbone or surrounding areas.
If the swelling is accompanied by increased pain or stiffness when moving or opening your mouth, it is best to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
While some jaw pain may not necessarily be a sign of a dental emergency, if you experience any sudden or unexplained swelling, it’s something that should be investigated right away.
An emergency dentist can assess the situation and provide the appropriate treatment if necessary. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you suspect a dental emergency.
Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health, and reputable dental clinics can provide comprehensive examinations and treatments. By scheduling routine visits, you can stay on top of your oral hygiene and address potential dental issues before they escalate into more serious conditions. The experienced professionals at Lux Dental Clinic can offer personalized advice and guidance to ensure that you maintain a healthy smile and overall well-being.
Beware of These Dental Emergency Signs
In conclusion, it is always best to consult with your dentist if you notice any symptoms that seem to be a dental emergency. Emergencies such as broken teeth, extreme pain, or a lost filling can cause considerable damage if not taken care of properly.
Don’t risk your health by ignoring the signs of a dental emergency – schedule an appointment today!
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