Most people in Australia now have become aware about dental care and hygiene. We all want to keep our teeth in good health and usually we get our teeth and gums checked regularly may be once or twice a year.
Apart from these scheduled visits, sometimes we find ourselves in need of dental care for problems that may develop between scheduled appointments. But apart from these routine check-ups and some little problems which can be tackled at its time.
But sometimes there are real emergencies when you cannot wait till your turn comes to see the dentist. What is this emergency which requires the dentist’s immediate attention?
There are 6 most urgent signs that tell you that you need to see the dentist right away.
Severe and unbearable pain in the tooth
Certain toothaches develop suddenly and get out of control. The Constant throbbing pain is so intense that it just does not respond to any home remedy like applying ice or some sort of antibiotic gel or balm. This debilitating pain brings on so much discomfort that you cannot sleep and cannot even lie down with the pain. This pain travels to your ear and even neck. Your jaw also pains. There is this persistent throbbing in your mouth along with some swelling around the affected tooth.
This is one of the most common emergencies that require immediate attention of the dentist. The toothache may represent many problems and may require immediate action on your part and the dentist’s part also.
Heavy bleeding in your tooth
Bleeding after a vigorous brushing or after having chewed on hard food happens sometimes and it stops with a little ice pack or cold water gargles. But when the bleeding is severe and does not stop for a long time than it calls for an immediate visit to your dental care clinic. When you bleed after every flossing and brushing, it may be sign towards more serious concerns of the gum.
When the bleeding is accompanied by a smell or a swelling in the gums, it is inevitable that you make an immediate appointment to see your dentist, because it is an indication of gum disease. Gingivitis or gum disease is a serious condition and needs to be treated as soon as possible. When it is not treated on time, it leaves a point of no return for your teeth and you can never get back your teeth in the same condition as before.
Your dentist will take x rays and will examine the jaws and decide on a treatment plan after a detailed analysis of the state of the gums. If the gum disease is caught on early, there are greater chances of preventing further damage.
Sudden tooth loss due to accident or gum disease
Sudden loss of tooth after childhood is a cause of worry. In adulthood, teeth are grown and mature to be able to help you in the process of eating, as well as talking and having a great social life. If you find loose teeth, then there has to be reasons behind it. You get a tooth loosened if you find yourself involved in an accident, and get your tooth injured and fall off.
This is a very painful situation, and you must ask for immediate help from your dentist. If the tooth come loose in sports or accident, you must keep it intact and directly go to your dentist. You need to make sure that other teeth and your jaws are unharmed and are healthy. Also, if the tooth is kept in good condition, preferably in milk, it has better chances of getting replanted by your dentist.
Call your dentist who will instruct you about what to do till you reach his office. It depends on the injury of the tooth for the dentist to decide on the plan of further treatment.
Swelling of the jaw
This can indicate a serious sign of infection which could be a salivary gland infection. Swollen jaw, a bad taste that you experience in your mouth, breathing problems, trouble swallowing, fever etc. are reasons you should seek emergency dental assistance immediately. The infection is usually a bacterial in nature caused by a blockage in the glands that produce saliva.
Swelling in the mouth or cheek
Swelling usually indicates some kind of infection. Infections in the mouth are one of the life-threatening situations. When you find your face swollen it could be a result of swelling in the gums, cheeks or lymph nodes. It is very necessary that you consult your dentist as soon as you find swelling getting bigger with time.
When infection in the mouth is not treated in time, it can get into your bloodstream and you may end up with dire consequences. It is important to talk about how long have you experienced the swelling and where you think it is located. Sometimes the swelling causes your jaws to get locked. Ask the office to put you through to your dentist as soon as possible and once you see him let him decide the line of treatment for you.
A growth or a sore that worsens quickly
A sore that persists for a longer time than a few days, it is advisable to seek an appointment with your dentist even if it is still a few weeks away. A growth also is a cause for concern. It could be an indication for a malignancy in the mouth. A dentist can screen the growth and point out abnormalities which may have been unnoticed by the patient. It is preferable that your growth or sore is examined by the dentist as early as possible to rule out possible cancerous growth. Canker sores are a common occurrence, but when the sores become infected it is a cause of worry.
