When having to deal with a dental emergency, time is of the essence to prevent the situation from getting worse. According to American Family Physician, about 22% of people have experienced dental or oral pain in the past six months. A proper diagnosis by a dentist is the best immediate approach, potentially preventing the problem from becoming worse.
Generally, a dental problem that requires emergency dental treatment would involve action to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. This consideration also applies to severe infections that can be life-threatening.
However, not every dental situation should be considered an emergency. Understanding the difference between a real dental emergency and a non-critical dental issue is essential.
Here’s what you should know about recognizing dental emergencies.
10 Signs That You Need Emergency Dental Care
Some of the possible causes and symptoms of gum disease include:
1. Dental abscess
An abscessed tooth can be an excruciatingly painful infection and can be caused by:
- Severe gum disease
- A cavity left untreated
- Trauma, such as a chipped tooth
Swollen glands, a foul taste in your mouth, and fever are all symptoms of an abscessed tooth — seek treatment immediately. Rinse with warm water; a cold compress applied to your face will help reduce swelling. An abscessed tooth may require surgery to drain the infection; your dentist may treat it with antibiotics.
2. Severe toothache
If your tooth pain has increased to such a critical level of constant pain, you should seek immediate emergency dental care. There is no reason to suffer needlessly.
3. Loose Teeth
Loose teeth in adulthood are not typical and can be indicators of other issues, such as:
- a tooth injury (from sports or other accidents)
- localized infection
- gum disease
- dental caries
4. Swollen jaw
A swollen jaw can indicate a sign of salivary gland infection, a bacterial infection caused by a blockage in your salivary glands. Your saliva breaks down food and rids your mouth of bacteria.
5. Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can indicate signs of gingivitis or early signs of other gum diseases. Excessive or recurring bleeding, swelling, or aching gums needs immediate attention. Because periodontal disease occurs in stages, the more advanced the condition, the less chance of restoring your teeth to their healthy state.
If you are experiencing a swollen jaw, along with a bad taste in your mouth, trouble breathing, fever, or swallowing, seek emergency dental assistance immediately.
6. Canker Sores
Any lesions in your mouth, especially canker sores, that linger or become infected or have not healed within two weeks, are worth a visit to your doctor or dentist for treatment.
7. Tooth Numbness
Losing total feeling in an aching tooth is never a good sign. Infection or abscess may have spread to the root of the tooth; pay close attention to these signs that can indicate a significant dental issue that needs emergency care.
8. Metal Taste
A metal taste can be problematic as it may be a sign that an old filling may have come loose or cracked, exposing your tooth to new infections and cavities. Seek emergency dental care promptly.
9. Constant Headaches
Headaches can occur for any number of reasons:
- Stress
- Illness
- “Brain freeze” from eating something cold too fast
- Bruxism (grinding of your teeth)
However, recurring or chronic headaches could be a sign of something else; any pain in your jaw or mouth can result in a headache. A debilitating headache should be checked out immediately.
10. Fatigue
One possibility of constant fatigue could be due to an oral infection. Your dentist can check for an abscessed tooth or gum disease that may be a contributing factor.
Non-Emergency Dental Situations
Emergency dental visits may be necessary for more than a toothache. Any sudden, significant changes could be a sign of a more critical issue at hand. In many situations, rinsing with warm water and applying cold compresses along with some over-the-counter pain relievers can tide you over until you get in to see your dentist.
Sometimes dental issues that seem emergent can wait a couple of days, for example:
- A chipped tooth is not painful
- Pain is subdued with over-the-counter pain relievers
- No visible signs of an abscess
- Lost crown? Denture adhesive can hold the crown in place temporarily — no super glue!
How to Avoid Potential Emergencies
Not all dental emergencies are preventable. However, the best way to mitigate dental emergencies is to remain vigilant in your oral hygiene — and by keeping all your dental appointments. Should you require assistance with a dental emergency, your dental team at Beach Dental Center has you covered. Call us immediately at (757) 496-0993.
