According to research, about 56% of people haven’t seen a dentist or any oral health expert in the last year. If you ignore routine checkups and professional teeth cleaning, you will eventually require emergency dental care.
Failing to seek dental care can lead to severe gum infection or permanent teeth loss. Ignoring some issues may also necessitate dental surgery, leading to permanent damage and expensive costs. Learning more about dental emergencies allows you to determine when you require immediate care. Here are five situations where you will likely need emergency dental care.
1. Your Gums Are Bleeding
Gums may bleed during cleaning, especially if you aren’t gentle or use a hard bristled brush. However, if you notice this issue continues regularly, get emergency dental care. Gums that bleed are often a sign of an underlying infection or condition like gingivitis.
This issue can also be due to:
- Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or menopause
- Leukaemia
- Ill-fitting dental appliances
- Vitamin C deficiency
Once you get to the dental office, the dentist will perform tests to determine the cause of bleeding gums. Based on the findings, they will recommend treatment and advise you on ways to protect your oral health in the future.
2. You Have a Swollen Mouth or Jaw
Your jaw may appear swollen due to an inflamed gland in the neck or jaw. Such cases are mainly due to common colds, but they can indicate more severe conditions like mumps and allergies. If your mouth or jaw is swollen, it’s vital to seek immediate help, even if there isn’t any physical pain.
If you have a swollen jaw and are still not convinced, check to see if it is hot or painful. In these cases, it is vital to visit your dentist immediately. These are indications of severe inflammation which, left untreated, can damage your jawbone and teeth permanently.
By going to the dentist, you can get the needed treatment and prevent secondary infection. Visiting a dentist also allows for the early diagnosis of serious diseases such as cancer.
3. You Have a Broken Tooth
Another situation that necessitates emergency dental care is a broken tooth. While such an issue may appear minor, especially if the broken part is small, the physical damage can trigger infection. Severe cases can also extend to the root canal or gum tissue, leading to severe pain.
When preparing to see a dentist, you can take painkillers to reduce toothache. Moreover, gurgle with warm salty water or mouthwash to kill harmful bacteria and prevent infection.
Once you get to the practice, a dentist will inspect your mouth to gauge the extent of breakage. If it is minor, they can quickly repair it with bonding material. On the other hand, a severe case may require root canal therapy to remove the damaged tissue then fill the pulp.
Recommended Reading: Teeth Bonding 101: How It Can Improve Your Smile
4. Loose Tooth or Sudden Tooth Loss
Teeth may loosen and detach due to untreated periodontitis or significant physical impact. If you notice a wobbly tooth, avoid eating hard food and visit a dentist immediately.
During the appointment, the specialist will perform various tests and scans to determine the cause of loosening. They will then provide appropriate treatment to strengthen the tooth and prevent it from falling out.
If your tooth falls out suddenly, it’s critical to preserve it before going to the dental office. Reinsert it in its socket and bite down a soft gauze or fabric. If this measure doesn’t work, hold the tooth by the crown and place it in milk or a saline solution. Do not wrap the tooth in cloth or tissues as it will dry out.
5. Mouth Trauma From Accidents and Falls
Mouth trauma refers to physical injury to the gums, teeth, lips, cheeks, or tongue. The most common causes of this issue are falls, especially during physical activities or accidents when playing, riding bikes, skating, or tripping on a staircase.
Mouth trauma may lead to a series of issues depending on its nature. Some of these include:
- Broken or dislocated jaw
- Lip biting
- Gum infection
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Teeth jamming into the socket
After experiencing mouth trauma, you should seek emergency dental care. Oral health experts will conduct various tests to identify severe issues that may not show physical signs. After the evaluation, you may start treatment, which can vary depending on the type and nature of injuries suffered.
Visit Boon Dental Today for Emergency Dental Care
Getting emergency dental care allows you to control infections and damage. Besides, it can help reduce and manage pain or discomfort that may result from various oral health issues and injuries. At Boon Dental, we have dentists on call 24/7 to provide you with reliable emergency dental care.
Our professionals have all the skills and experience needed to handle dental issues that need immediate attention. Our facilities are well-equipped with hi-tech tools and software to offer even complex treatment processes and ensure a full recovery.
Are you looking for emergency dental services near you? Call our offices today to speak to a specialist and start your recovery journey.
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