3.5 billion people suffer from the dental disease globally. This could lead to further dental problems.
Replacing the teeth you’ve lost is a long and costly process. The medical care needed to replace teeth can be a burden to patients without the means to pay for expensive oral surgery.
If you’re worried about the state of your mouth, but you’re not sure whether it’s time to visit the dentist, keep reading. Here are the signs of a dental emergency that may require immediate attention.
Toothache
A toothache is one of the clearest signs of a potential dental emergency. In particular, if the toothache is sharp and lingers, or is generally accompanied by fever, this can be an indication of an infection that must be generally treated as soon as possible.
If left untreated, a potentially serious infection can rapidly spread and can lead to medical complications. So don’t wait, be proactive and contact your dentist immediately.
Severe Pain When Eating or Drinking
Severe pain when eating or drinking is often a sign of a dental emergency. The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp throbbing that makes it difficult to focus on anything else. It may also be usually accompanied by swelling or inflammation of the gums.
In cases like this, it is important to seek emergency care right away. If left untreated, the problem can worsen and cause further damage to the teeth or gums.
Additionally, severe pain can indicate an infection in the mouth, so it is important to take action. If you experience any type of severe pain when eating or drinking, it is best to contact your dentist or primary care doctor as soon as possible.
Sudden Facial Swelling
Sudden facial swelling can be a sign of a dental emergency. If facial swelling is commonly associated with oral trauma, dental treatment may also be needed. With prompt treatment, a person can prevent further damage.
It is best to see a dentist even if the cause of the swelling is not identified, as untreated dental issues can lead to further complications.
Sudden Bleeding in the Mouth
Bleeding that doesn’t stop after a few minutes and/or occurs following even minor trauma could be a sign of a serious underlying problem.
If the bleeding is typically accompanied by irregular or disfigured tooth or gum tissue, or the inability to bite, chew, or move the jaw normally, it could be a sign of a broken tooth or dislocated jaw.
Severe Headaches
A severe headache can be a sign of a dental emergency and should not be ignored. It can be caused by things such as a tooth abscess, gum disease, or clenching and grinding your teeth.
If the pain is accompanied by a fever, tenderness, or swelling of the face, neck, or jaw, it could be a sign of a dental infection or abscess. It is important to seek Local Pediatric Dentist Emergencies to investigate the cause of the severe headache and to treat any underlying dental conditions or infections.
All About the Signs of a Dental Emergency
Signs of a dental emergency should not be ignored. Early detection and intervention for dental emergencies can help cut further pain, infection, and damage to your teeth and gums.
Schedule a check-up with your dentist today for optimal oral health.
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