You’ve been brushing and flossing regularly, but every time you open your mouth to eat or speak, you notice bleeding.
It’s a bad enough sign that you are bleeding while performing normal activities. There’s no exact checklist of signs you’re experiencing a dental emergency, but there are warning signs that can help you prevent further damage.
Plus, a lot of times the same issues that are dental emergencies can also be chronic health issues, without being a dental problem.
How can you tell the difference? We’re here to help. Keep reading for signs that you may have a dental emergency.
Table of Contents
1. Chipped or Broken Tooth
A chipped or broken tooth can be a serious dental emergency. If you have a chipped tooth, you may experience pain, bleeding, or swelling, the same as having a broken tooth. In addition, you may have difficulty eating or drinking, and your tooth may be sensitive to pressure or temperature.
2. Severe Toothache
If you have a severe toothache that is accompanied by fever, swelling, and/or pain that radiates to your ear, jaw, or neck, or a foul-tasting discharge from your mouth, you may be experiencing a dental emergency. Take ibuprofen for pain relief and apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling as precautionary measures.
But, if you are not sure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and call your dentist or dental office. They will be able to advise you on your questions about dental services and whether or not you need to be seen urgently.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth
The first thing you should do is try to find the tooth and gently rinse it off with water. If possible, try to put the tooth back in its socket.
If this is not possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk. Seek emergency dental care within 30 minutes of the tooth being knocked out.
4. Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is a pocket of infection that can destroy the bone around the tooth. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include severe toothache, swelling, fever, and regional lymphadenopathy. Other signs that you may have an abscessed tooth include bad breath, fever, and sensitivity to hot or cold.
5. Bleeding Gums
One of the most common signs of bleeding gums is the presence of blood when you brush or floss your teeth. If you notice blood on your toothbrush or in the sink after you brush, your gums are likely bleeding. In some cases, bleeding gums can also be a sign of gingivitis, which is a form of gum disease.
If your gums are bleeding and you’re also experiencing pain, swelling, or redness in your gums, it’s best to see a dentist right away, as these could be signs of a more serious dental problem.
Keep Up Your Dental Care For Your Dental Emergency
When it comes to your dental emergency, time is of the essence. If you’re experiencing intense tooth pain, swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or any other dental issue that is causing you distress, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Emergency dental care providers will be able to assess your situation and provide you with the treatment you need to relieve your pain and improve your oral health.
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