Dental problems come in all shapes and sizes. Some are less hazardous and tend to go away on their own, while others are extremely dangerous and need emergency dental care services.
Despite all preventive measures and best efforts, common dental problems can still occur. Most won’t be dental emergencies, but some of them can be. That’s why it’s extremely important to know which of the issues need urgent attention so that they can be nipped in the bud.
This blog post details eleven warning signs you must be aware of that can indicate the need for emergency dental care services. Read on to know more about them.
1. Broken or loose tooth
A broken and loose tooth can be caused by an accident, dental trauma, or some other causes such as bruxism or eating habits. Infections also cause a tooth to break and loosen. It is categorized as one of the major dental emergencies and needs emergency dental care services. If the treatment is delayed, it can create serious oral health hazards and can also affect your overall health. If you find that one of your teeth is loose or broken, then see an emergency dentist immediately who can treat the condition without delay.
2. Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis. Periodontal diseases happen in stages and early detection can prevent more complicated and expensive treatments as well as keep your teeth in good health. If you find your gums are bleeding after brushing, flossing, or taking a bite off crunchy food, then visiting an emergency dentist can help in finding out the issues with the gums.
3. Persistent toothache
As much as we hate it, toothaches and jaw aches aren’t uncommon. They come without any warning, cause a lot of discomforts (also excruciating pain), and usually go away after some minor treatments or on their own. But if a toothache persists for more than two to three days and home remedies don’t work, then it can indicate some major problem in the tooth or jaw. That’s the time to seek emergency dental care.
4. Sudden swelling
A sudden and unexplained in the jaw can be a warning sign of a severe infection. It can occur due to an obstruction in the salivary glands. If you find a sudden swelling in the jaw or gums, then see an emergency dentist without wasting any time.
5. Numbness in the mouth
If you feel a sudden numbness in your mouth, it can be an indication of a serious infection that has afflicted the root. Dental trauma and tooth decay can also cause a sudden numbness in the mouth or teeth. Untreated numbness can be a harbinger of several dental problems. Going for emergency dental care can help in finding the problem and getting the necessary treatment.
6. Unexplained headaches
Headaches are one of the most silent indicators of dental issues. That’s because the seemingly innocuous problem is extremely common and can occur due to various factors ranging from stress, dietary changes, changes in ambient temperature, overexposure to the sun, loud noise, and many other reasons including dental problems. If the problem lingers even after taking the recommended medicines and treating the likely causes, then dental issues can be the culprit. Consider calling your dentist or seeking emergency dental care.
7. Aphthous ulcers
Aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores, are tiny, shallow, oval-shaped sores in the mouth. They cause a tingling sensation or pain in the mouth and can be caused due to acidic foods, stress, and trauma. A majority of the sores go away on their own within one to two weeks. They can also be treated with prescribed medications, pastes, and mouth rinses. But if the sores haven’t gone after two weeks, then it can be an indication of some serious infections or problems. That’s the time to seek emergency dental care.
8. Pus from teeth or gums
If you find pus oozing from any of your teeth or gums, then it can indicate that you have a dental abscess. There are two types of abscesses—periapical and periodontal abscesses. The former occurs at the root tip whereas the latter occurs in the gums. A tooth or gum abscess needs immediate draining. Sometimes, it may require a root canal procedure or an extraction. If not treated on time, then it can cause serious problems and affect the adjacent areas. If you suspect having a dental abscess in your mouth, then see an emergency dentist immediately and get the necessary treatment.
9. Lost or damaged dental devices
Even though many dental devices are designed to last long and withstand massive pressure, some of them can come off or get damaged prematurely. The devices can range from implants and dentures to braces and veneers. If you lose a dental device, then you should try reaching out to the dentist who installed it. But if the professional isn’t available to fix the issue immediately and you can’t do without the device, then consider seeing an emergency dentist in your locality.
10. Change in taste
If you have a metal filling, then you can expect them to last between 10 and 15 years. But in some cases, they don’t last long due to cracks or damage in them. If you feel a metallic taste in your mouth, then it can indicate that the filling has been compromised. That calls for emergency dental care services.
11. Constant fatigue
Are you constantly feeling tired or weak? If the answer to the question is yes, then it can be a possible sign of dental infections. When your body fights off the infection, then it has to work harder than usual and gets exhausted. It can also cause fevers and chills. If you experience prolonged fatigue and fevers, then it may indicate something is wrong with your teeth.
Summing up
The proverb “A stitch in time saves nine” is extremely relevant for dental emergencies, which need urgent attention from qualified and experienced emergency dentists. If you ever face a dental emergency, look for emergency dental care services in and around your locality and go there immediately without wasting any time.