It’s always a good idea to know the signs of a dental emergency, just in case. That way, you can seek help as soon as possible if something goes wrong. Here are three common signs that indicate you need to see a dentist right away.
1. Pain and/or Swelling
You should call a dentist as soon as possible if you experience pain. While some toothaches are not serious, others can signify something more complex and dangerous. For instance, it’s best to know that toothaches may indicate an infection or abscessed teeth. These issues can lead to serious problems if left untreated for too long. Swelling and fever may also indicate an infection and should be checked out by a dentist as soon as possible.
Swelling is another sign of a dental emergency. If your gums start to swell, you may have an abscessed tooth or an infection. Either way, it’s important to see the dentist as soon as possible so that they can take care of the issue before it becomes worse or spreads to other parts of your mouth or body.
2. Bleeding
A tiny amount of bleeding after brushing or flossing isn’t usually from an emergency. However, if you suddenly notice a lot of blood in your mouth, this could indicate a problem. It’s best to mention it to the dentist, just so that they can check everything out and help decide whether or not you need emergency dental care. However, if your bleeding is caused by blunt trauma to your mouth, you should see the dentist immediately. It’s also a good idea to seek emergency dental care if you notice blood when you’re not brushing or flossing.
3. Broken and/or Loose Teeth
It’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible if you break or lose a tooth. The dentist will determine the best course of action for fixing or replacing your tooth. They’ll likely suggest other options if it can’t be fixed, such as a dental implant. However, if you lose a tooth and don’t seek emergency dental care to have it replaced, you could experience teeth shifting and other damage as a result.
Bonus: Signs of Tooth Decay
According to the CDC, tooth decay is five times more common than childhood asthma and almost 20 times more common than diabetes. So this is not something that should be ignored but rather needs to be treated as an emergency.
If you notice any of these signs, call your dentist and set up an appointment as soon as possible. They’ll be able to help you with whatever is causing the issue and will be able to relieve any pain or discomfort that you might be experiencing.
