A dental emergency can be an extremely traumatic experience, especially since it can be potentially life threatening. The shock and confusion that often accompanies severe pain or an unexpected trauma can make it difficult to clearly determine whether or not your situation needs to be addressed immediately by a dental professional. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the 3 warning signs you have a serious dental emergency so you are prepared to quickly take action, should you ever find yourself in that situation.

1. Bleeding and Swelling

It’s fairly common for gums to bleed a little bit when brushing or flossing, especially if you have mild gingivitis or are in the early stages of gingivitis or periodontitis. If you have bleeding and swelling that does not stop, it’s time to call a dentist. Bleeding from the gums and swelling of the jaw and/or gumline is a sign of a dental emergency. A dentist trained in emergency care should be seen right away to perform an evaluation and take the appropriate measures to stop the bleeding, then treat the root cause of the infection.

2. A Severe Toothache

If you have ever had a toothache, you know just how miserable even a non-emergency toothache can be. However, if you have a toothache that is persistent over time or pain that becomes unbearable, you should see a dentist who can treat a serious dental emergency as soon as possible. A severe toothache can be a sign of underlying problems that may affect more than your oral health; the mouth is the gateway to several major systems, such as the respiratory and digestive systems. An oral infection can spread to the bloodstream or other areas of the body, causing very serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

3. A Loose Permanent Tooth

Losing teeth as a child can be exciting and even cute when you see a young one with a shining smile that’s missing a tooth or two. It’s not quite the same when you’re an adult though…permanent teeth are just that – permanent. They certainly aren’t meant to come loose. If you have a loose tooth due to a traumatic incident like a car accident or sports injury, it is expected that you would seek help immediately. However, if you notice a tooth that becomes loose over time, it is also imperative that you see a dentist. A loose tooth can be a sign of a serious underlying problem, such as a localized infection that should be treated as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing signs of a dental emergency, seek help immediately. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate the situation and administer the appropriate treatment for your oral and overall health. If you live in the St. Augustine area and have not yet established with a dental practice, reach out to Dental Remedies today – you’ll be well cared for in everything from your routine dental needs to cosmetic dentistry to a major dental emergency.