Dental pain is one of the most common worldwide. Some last briefly while others prolong for days or even weeks. You should never neglect dental pains and issues. A minor throbbing in the jaw can become a complex issue later on. A proper diagnosis and treatment by a dentist is the best course of action.
Be on the lookout for certain tell-tale signs when you experience toothaches. These could indicate that the problem needs immediate dentist intervention. Keep the contact number of your nearest dentist in Palo Alto handy if an emergency should arise.
Here are a few situations that need emergency dental treatment:
1) Bleeding in the Mouth
Flossing is a healthy habit and keeps your teeth strong and healthy. It is common for you to see droplets of blood occasionally while flossing. If you notice bleeding from your gums more often or in large quantities, it is a cause for alarm. It could hint at gum disease. Gum disease must be diagnosed as early as possible. Doing so will prevent long-term problems. Bad gums can affect your physical and your dental health.
Bleeding without a cause could indicate periodontal disease. You may also notice a foul smell while brushing or flossing. This is also an indicator of the early onset of gum disease. Call your dentist immediately for an emergency check-up. They will diagnose the issue and prescribe the best course of action. Never ignore bleeding from gums.
2) Unexplained Toothaches
It is a warning sign if you have a sudden onset of toothaches. Unexplained pain or discomfort could stem from gum disease or a dental infection. The pain could range from moderate to severe. Most dental aches can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
If the pain persists beyond a few days, it's a good idea to consult your dentist for an emergency diagnosis. Your dentist will conduct an examination of the tooth and nearby area. They may take x-rays for a detailed study.
Call your dentist if you:
- Have constant toothache that does not go away with pain medication.
- It affects your everyday life and eating patterns.
- Feel dizziness or swelling in the tooth or jaw areas.
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold drinks despite using special toothpaste.
Take severe toothaches seriously. The sooner you seek help, the better.
3) Sudden Tooth Loss
Teeth are one of the strongest structures in the human body. Loss of teeth is common in children but not so in the case of adults. If you are losing teeth for reasons other than an accident or injury, its a cause for concern. If you have a loose or dangling tooth, call your dentist immediately. It's possible that they can replant it. Losing a tooth can cause much chewing discomfort and alter your facial appearance.
There could be many reasons for your tooth loss. You could have early stages of gum disease. It could be a local infection that is eating away at the roots of the teeth. Your dentist is the right person to determine the cause and suggest corrective action before its too late.
4) Cracked or Broken Teeth
A broken or chipped tooth qualifies for emergency dental treatment. A fractured or chipped permanent tooth can cause severe pain. If the pain is extreme, don't hesitate to call your nearest dentist in Palo Alto. Even though a tooth may be chipped, there are many ways a dental specialist can save it.
It's crucial that you see your dentist promptly. Delays can affect the course of treatment and cause permanent tooth loss.
If a whole tooth comes away loose, it is still possible to be replanted. A handy tip is to place the tooth in a cup of milk until you can see your dentist. Doing so increases the chances of saving it while you wait for emergency care.
5) Swelling in Jaw or Mouth
Swollen jaw or mouth can occur due to any number of reasons. It could be due to an injury, infection, lymph node swelling, etc. It can also be caused due to dental issues such as gum disease. Infections are a leading cause of the swelling. It can turn serious if it's not addressed quickly.
See your dentist immediately if the swelling does not subside in a day or two. When you meet the dentist, be sure to explain when the swelling began and the pain you feel. It will help them diagnose if its an issue that needs help beyond dental treatment.
6) Metallic Taste in Mouth
In the past, many dental fillings used for a root canal or other procedures used metal. Call your dentist at once if you feel a taste of pennies or a metallic taste in your mouth. These fillings may have come loose. A loose filling can prove dangerous if left unattended.
It can cause cavities and severe infections that affect the gums and nearby teeth. Address the issue before it becomes worse, leading to a root canal for healthy teeth.
Most people ignore calling a dentist as a loose filling rarely causes pain. It only disrupts the taste buds. Don't ignore it if you have had fillings in the past and start to feel a metallic taste on your tongue.
7) Locked or Popping Jaw
Call your dentist if you feel a popping sound when you move your jaw or feel that the jaw seems locked. An average person is capable of smoothly moving the jaw. If it's locked, it means that there is a problem there. The issue may or may not be dental, but it's a good idea to start by consulting your dentist.
They can perform a check-up and tell you if any infections or dental symptoms are responsible for it. A locked or popping jaw is painful and can also prevent you from chewing or speaking normally. Consult your dentist at once if you encounter this issue.
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