5 Common Signs that Indicate the Need for Emergency Dentistry

What is an Emergency Dental Problem?

An emergency is any bruising, injury, or infection of the gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues that can cause pain, swelling, and bleeding. Lost or damaged dental restorations are also dental emergencies because they can cause the teeth underneath to get damaged.

Common Signs of a Dental Emergency

Five signs can warrant a visit to an emergency dentist near you, and they include:

Loose Teeth

Having loose teeth as an adult can signify a severe infection. It can be caused by various factors, including gum disease, trauma, and tooth decay. Localized infection can affect the supporting teeth structures and cause the teeth to come loose.

Toothache

Tooth pain can be mild to severe, depending on the cause. Stuck food particles cause mild tooth pain, and they can be treated at home with remedies as you wait for the earliest appointment.

However, if you have an intense and persistent toothache, you may need a trip to an emergency dentist. It can be caused by decay, dry mouth, gum disease, periodontal disease, and trauma to the mouth can all lead to tooth pain. It is usually accompanied by swelling or redness in the area and sensitivity to touch. You may also experience a throbbing sensation when touching your cheek near the tooth.

Gum Bleeding

Gum bleeding is a common problem caused by many factors like tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease.

As you brush your teeth, the bristles of your toothbrush will often rub against the gum tissue. This causes the gum tissue to become irritated or damaged, leading to blood release from the periodontal ligaments. Gum disease needs to be addressed early to prevent the infection from spreading. Advanced periodontal disease can cause the gums to recede and cause bone loss.

Swollen Jaw

A swollen jaw is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty in speaking or swallowing. The jaws can swell because of several different things, such as an infection, injury to the jaw, or chewing gum. The pain will usually be on one side only and may radiate into your ear if there was an impact to that area as well. If you are experiencing swelling and pain in your face or neck, you must see your dentist right away.

Abscess

A tooth abscess is pus on the gums or other infection that forms in the tissues beneath the gum line. Bacteria or a fungus may cause gum infection. The abscess infection can spread through the bloodstream and cause serious health problems. It is important to visit the dentist when you notice pimples, pain, and swelling on the gums.

What Should You Do When a Dental Emergency Occurs?

When you have a dental accident, the first thing that you should do is stop the bleeding using a gauze pad. The next step would be cleaning up your teeth and tongue with water to remove debris and dirt.

If you have knocked teeth, try to push the tooth to the socket using the crown. Store the broken tooth in a milk solution to preserve it if it comes out entirely from the socket. Visit an emergency dentist near you within an hour after the accident occurs for treatment.

How to Prevent Emergency Dental Problems?

You can prevent dental emergencies by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing after every meal, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups. Do not forget to wear a mouthguard to protect the teeth from damage when playing a contact sport or suffering from bruxism.

Visit an Emergency Dentist near You

Visit or book an appointment with our dentist in 33426 at Quantum Dental for emergency dental care in Boynton Beach, FL when you experience a dental emergency.