Did you know that over half of Americans are afraid of visiting the dentist?
If you ever experience any dental issues, you may be tempted to wait and see if things can resolve on their own. Whether you’re afraid of the dentist or you don’t want to spend the money, waiting can put you at risk for even more painful and expensive procedures.
Have you ever wondered what is considered a dental emergency? Keep reading to learn 5 signs that you need immediate dental care.
1. Broken or Loose Tooth
Losing teeth may have been exciting as a kid because it meant you’d get a visit from the tooth fairy. However, once your adult teeth grow in, they should never become loose. If you experience an accident that chips or loosens your tooth, it’s crucial to see a dentist right away.
The reason why these problems are considered an emergency is because any openings in your teeth allow bacteria to enter and fester. If you develop an infection, you could risk losing the whole tooth.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
Suffering from an injury that’s forceful enough to knock your tooth out is horrible enough on its own. Although you might want to wait and recover from your trauma, you have to get to a dentist within half an hour if you want to save that tooth. As long as the rest of your body is well enough, you should make your trip to the dentist a priority.
Before you leave, don’t forget to carefully pick up your tooth from the side where you chew and place it in a glass of milk. Milk is helpful for keeping your tooth moist and full of minerals.
3. Frequent or Heavy Bleeding or Inflamed Gums
Have you ever noticed that your gums bleed after you floss or eat? If this happens to you, then it’s likely a symptom of gingivitis. Although mild gingivitis is common, it can quickly progress into a dangerous gum disease that harms your overall health. If you start experiencing heavy or frequent bleeding or painful inflammation, it’s best to have a dentist inspect your mouth to make a diagnosis.
4. Abscess
An abscess is a serious dental pain emergency because it’s caused by a severe infection. The infection could be a result of many issues, such as an untreated cavity, gum disease, or tooth trauma. To prevent the infection from spreading throughout your body, a dentist will have to cut into the root of your tooth to properly drain the abscess and give you a prescription for antibiotics.
5. Severe Toothache
What’s the difference between a normal cavity and an emergency toothache? Cavities that are in their early stages of development can cause sensitivity when you eat. If left untreated, this sensitivity can progress into emergency tooth pain that hurts nonstop.
If you’re experiencing severe discomfort that doesn’t go away, you should visit the dentist as soon as possible.
Do You Need Immediate Dental Care?
Now that you know the top 5 signs that you need immediate dental care, you can take care of your oral health and maintain the smile of your dreams.
If you need to book an emergency dental visit in Covina or Northridge, CA, Arrow Smile Dental would love to help with any problem. Contact us so you can get relief today.