How often do you find yourself going to the dentist for anything other than pain and discomfort? An alarming number of people are not seeing their dentist for health checks and instead, wait until something goes wrong to seek dental help. But how do you know when a trip to the emergency dentist could be on the cards? Here are a few tell-tale signs.
You Have a Loose Tooth
As an adult, you should not have any loose teeth. If you do, something has gone wrong, and you now need a trip to the dentist to find out what it is. When you injure a tooth to the point of it being wobbly, nerve or jaw damage can be a risk – especially if you have knocked it loose. Even if you haven’t, seeing your dentist means they can run some tests to work out what is causing the loose tooth. Sometimes gum disease and infection are to blame.
Your Gums are Sore and Bleeding
Bleeding gums is often a sign of gum disease, which is something you can avoid with regular flossing and brushing. However, if your bleeding gums are accompanied by achiness, then that’s something that might require you to see your dentist. If you do not treat these early stages of gum disease, you may not be able to return your mouth to the healthy state it was before.
You Have a Toothache
If severe toothache is starting to impact your daily routine, or even a minor pain is more than you can handle, then it could be time to see your dentist. Your teeth don’t ache for no reason, and a emergency dentist may be able to provide immediate relief. If you notice your teeth are sensitive, sore, and achy, then make an appointment with your dentist today.
You Have a Possible Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is an infection in your tooth root which a trauma, cavities and gum disease can cause. If you notice that you have a strange and awful taste in your mouth, swollen glands, or even a fever, it’s imperative to see your dentist so they can drain the abscess and begin the healing process.
You Have a Numb Tooth
Sometimes, a toothache can cause excruciating pain, and then you feel nothing but numbness. While it might be sweet relief considering the amount of pain you’ve been in, it’s not necessarily a good sign. It can mean an infection has spread to a tooth root and is impacting your nerves. See a dentist immediately as a root canal might now be a possibility.
If you experience any discomfort, pain, or unusual feelings relating to your teeth, then see your dentist without delay. The longer you leave a problem, the worse it can get. Annual check-ups can also prevent serious problems from occurring.