A dental emergency can be a harrowing experience, both for the patient and their pocketbook. In fact, cost is listed as the primary reason most adults in the US don’t want to seek help.
But sometimes an emergency visit is the best course of action, for the patient and their mouth. Here are 5 signs that it’s time to get off the computer and get urgent dental care.
1. Facial or Jaw Swelling
Imagine spending a peaceful afternoon with friends and loved ones. After a great meal, a friend starts complaining about a sharp pain in their jaw.
The group thinks nothing of it and continue with their day. An hour later, that same friend’s face is now swelling, with one side of their jaw bulging.
It sounds horrific, no doubt, but it’s a pretty common ailment. However, that doesn’t mean it should be ignored.
Symptoms like jaw or facial swelling may be a sign of a serious bacterial infection. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the head.
2. A Chipped Tooth
Few things can ruin a day quite like a chipped tooth. And not only does a chipped tooth look unsightly, it could be dangerous.
Those who have experienced chipping a tooth will likely suggest seeking urgent dental care, and for good reason. A chipped tooth means exposed nerve vulnerable to an infection.
Aside from being painful, chipped teeth can be sharp or rigid. It may hurt to close one’s mouth, and if sharp enough, can puncture the roof of the mouth or gums.
3. Recurring Tooth Pain
At one point or another, most people tend to experience recurring tooth pain. However, there’s no need to let tooth pain run one’s life.
Many people think it’s easier to simply ice their mouth and wait for the pain to go away. But this doesn’t fix the problem. In fact, it could be the sign of a greater issue.
For instance, it could be a sign of an impacted wisdom tooth. And while, yes, the pain will temporarily subside, it’ll be back and worse than ever.
Don’t ignore the problem. Recurring pain is more than just an annoyance, it’s a sign of a greater problem. Seek urgent dental care at the earliest convenience.
4. A Tooth Was Knocked Out
Not all mouth pain is caused by cavities, wisdom teeth, or even poor brushing habits. Sometimes the root cause can just be a freak accident.
If a tooth has been knocked out, immediate medical care is necessary. With proper care, there’s a chance the tooth is still salvageable. The right experts, like those at Verde Pointe Dental Associates, should be able to help.
5. Bleeding Gums
According to a CDC study, around half of adults in the U.S. suffer from some sort of periodontal disease. Whether from poor brushing habits or a lack of flossing, these diseases can cause trouble down the road.
Those that experience bleeding gums shouldn’t take the sign lightly. It could be a sign of gingivitis, a treatable but painful infection of the gums.
Now You Know When to Seek Urgent Dental Care
If any of the above signs sound familiar, it’s time to seek medical treatment immediately. It may not be the most fun in the world, but it’s just like any other medical issue and needs to be treated.
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