Whether you keep up on regular dental hygiene appointments or prefer to wait until your smile starts giving you trouble, a dental emergency can catch you off guard and leave you panicked.
The thing about dental emergencies is, they tend to happen when we least expect them to. When things start going wrong with our teeth, we need to have an idea of what to do next. Here are some of the top signs you’re having a dental emergency.
Keep reading to learn more!
1. Severe Pain in Your Teeth/Jaw
When you have severe pain in your teeth or jaw, it means that something is wrong. Maybe you have an infection, or maybe you’ve suffered an injury. The sooner you can get treatment, the better.
Severe pain in your teeth or jaw can be extremely uncomfortable, and it can make it difficult to eat or even speak. If the pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, or discharge, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
If you’re not sure whether or not your situation is a dental emergency, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. While dental pain can occasionally be caused by something as simple as a cavity, it can also be a sign of a more serious problem.
This could be such as an infection. If you are unsure whether or not your pain is an emergency, consult with the best dentist in your area.
2. Loose Tooth
When a tooth is loose, it means that the ligaments that attach the tooth to the bone are no longer doing their job. If the tooth is only slightly open, you might be able to save it by wearing a mouthguard at night.
However, if the tooth is severely loose or falls out, you will need to see a dentist right away. In the meantime, try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and eat soft foods.
3. Non-Stop Bleeding
If you are bleeding from your gums or mouth and it won’t stop, you may be experiencing a dental emergency. Bleeding that won’t stop is a sign that you need to seek professional help right away.
In addition to nonstop bleeding, other signs of a dental emergency include pain, swelling, facial trauma, and tooth decay. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t delay in seeking emergency dental care.
A few home remedies can help stop the bleeding of a tooth while waiting for a doctor.
Rinse Mouth with Salt Water Solution
A saltwater solution can be used as a rinse for your mouth to help heal canker sores, gum disease, and toothaches. It can also be used as a gargle to help relieve a sore throat. To make a saltwater solution, mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
This will help to clean the area and reduce inflammation.
Use a Cold Compress
Another home remedy is to use a cold compress outside the mouth. This can help to numb the area and reduce the bleeding. If the bleeding is severe, it is best to seek medical help from a dentist or doctor.
Apply Pressure With a Cotton
Apply pressure with a cotton swab or cotton ball. This will help to stop the bleeding. This will help to clean the area and also help to stop the bleeding.
4. Facial Trauma
If you have suffered a blow to the face, whether from an accident or sports injury, it is important to see a dentist right away. While some facial trauma is not a dental emergency, certain signs indicate you need to seek dental care immediately.
If you have lost a tooth, are bleeding from the mouth, or have a severe toothache, you may be experiencing a dental emergency. If you are unsure whether your situation is a true emergency, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a dentist.
5. Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth can cause pain, sensitivity, and infection. If you have a cracked tooth, you may notice that your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, you have pain when biting down, or your gums are tender and swollen.
If you have a cracked tooth, it is important to see a dentist so that they can determine the best course of treatment. Other signs that you may be having a dental emergency include bleeding from your gums, a broken tooth, or a lost filling.
If you’re unsure whether or not you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call your dentist right away.
6. Change the Color of Your Teeth
If you see a change in the color of your teeth, it’s important to see a dentist right away. A change in the color of your teeth can be a sign of a serious problem, such as tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or an infection.
If you see a change in the color of your teeth, don’t wait to see a dentist. Seek immediate dental care to find out what’s causing the color change and to get treatment.
Learn the Signs of Dental Emergency Starting Today
Dental emergencies can be extremely painful and stressful. However, by familiarizing yourself with the signs and symptoms of a dental emergency, you can be better prepared to handle them.
If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your dentist or go to the nearest emergency room. Early intervention can save your teeth and prevent more serious health problems.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit your dentist regularly starting today!
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