Every six months, most people visit the dentist for a routine oral health check-up. Emergency dental care is not standard and is often the result of a dental laceration, tooth discomfort, or trauma. These conditions can cause tooth damage and severe pain if left untreated. In worst-case scenarios, you might lose your teeth.
Here are several signs that you need emergency dental care.
Bleeding and Aching Gums
It isn’t usual to bleed after brushing or flossing your teeth unless you use improper techniques or old toothbrushes. Bleeding and severe pain after cleaning your mouth are often signs of gum disease.
When you experience the above, it’s best to see a dentist immediately. This is because gum disease occurs in stages and can cause irreversible damage if left untreated. You might be forced to replace your teeth if the symptoms persist. Any oral trauma results in teeth being destroyed or being damaged requires emergency dental care.
Recurring Headaches
Besides sickness, other causes of headaches are stress, impact, consuming cold food, etc. However, the headaches usually subside after a short time. If the pain persists, it might be a sign of an underlying problem.
Since your jawbone is connected to the skull, any discomfort in your mouth or jaw can contribute to a headache. For instance, people who suffer from bruxism, the unconscious teeth grinding, are more likely to experience headaches.
The most common signs of bruxism are increased sensitivity and worn-out enamels. When you visit the dentist, they recommend remedies such as wearing a mouthguard before sleeping.
Halitosis and Metal Taste
Bad breath, also known as halitosis can be an embarrassing condition that shatters your confidence in public settings. Even worse, it is often a sign of underlying medical complications like bacterial infections and dry mouth.
On the other hand, a metallic taste usually indicates a loose crown or filling. It can also be a sign of periodontal disease. It’s vital to seek emergency dental in round lake beach if you experience these symptoms, as they are often a precursor to infections and cavities. If ignored, you might end up needing a root canal.
Growths and Sores
If you have growth that doesn’t go away, it’s wise to visit the dental office in Chino hills. Their dentists perform an examination and, if necessary, take X-rays or other diagnostic tests to determine the nature and extent of the tumor. Such tumors can be a sign of oral cancer and can be accurately diagnosed with special equipment and examinations. Like other cancers, oral cancer is treatable when detected early and can be terminal if diagnosed at its later stages. Your dentist or oral surgeon will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Sudden Tooth Loss
While tooth loss is normal among growing children, it’s unexpected for adults. However, accidents resulting from hits or chewing hard foods can cause tooth loss. Besides being painful, losing a tooth compromises the quality of your smile and can make eating more difficult.
When you lose a tooth, visit your dentist immediately. Ensure that you don’t touch the roots to avoid damaging the nerves when handling the lost tooth. If the tooth comes out undamaged, it’s advisable to place it in a cup of milk before you reach the dentist, as this increases the chances of restoration.
Tooth Abscess
Abscesses cause severe pain, especially if they form around the roots of your teeth. Moreover, they cause fever and might start discharging pus, which increases the risk of other infections. As such, it’s crucial to seek dental care when you get an oral abscess.
Wrapping Up
Call your dentist immediately whenever you experience any of the problems mentioned above. Emergency dental care alleviates pain, stops bleeding, reduces swelling, and, more importantly, keeps your teeth intact. Taking painkillers and homemade remedies can provide a temporary solution but seeking professional assistance guarantees lasting results. Even better, you might detect severe conditions like gum disease and oral cancer before they become untreatable.