Did you know that as many as 3.5 billion people worldwide have at least one oral disease? That’s nearly half of the global population!
Like that’s not bad enough, some oral health problems can spread and put other organs at risk. An example is a pulmonary actinomycosis, a lung infection that a tooth abscess can cause.
That’s enough reason never to put off dental care, especially in cases of emergencies.
But how exactly can you tell that you have a dental emergency?
We’ve listed the top indications below, so read on.
1. A Tooth Got Knocked Out
Also known as an avulsed tooth, a knocked-out tooth is one that got torn off from its socket. In such cases, the entire tooth from its tip (crown) to its roots fell (or flew) out.
An avulsed tooth usually occurs due to physical trauma to the face or the mouth. That often results from motor vehicle crashes, fall accidents, and violence.
In any case, visit an emergency dentist immediately after you knock out a tooth. If you can still find the avulsed tooth, pick it up only by its crown (never the roots!) using a clean cloth. You can also place it in a bottle or tumbler with milk.
If possible, see a dentist within 30 minutes from when you knock a tooth out. That gives the oral health expert the highest chance of successfully putting it back.
2. A Tooth Broke or Chipped Off
When you receive a blow to the head or mouth, your reaction might be to close your mouth with extreme force. But unfortunately, the pressure behind that clamping can be enough to break, chip, or crack a tooth.
Like what you’d do with a knocked-out tooth, go to an emergency dentist right after the incident. If a piece broke off and you can still find it, take it with you. The dental health specialist may still be able to put it back through a bonding procedure.
3. A Tooth Got Displaced
A displaced tooth may have sunk deeper or got shoved sideward or backward. It might still be in the gums, but it’s no longer in its proper position. It may also be hanging loosely or has become mobile.
As with the two other cases above, physical trauma can cause tooth displacement. Thus, it also requires emergency dental services.
4. Extensive Swelling and Severe Bleeding
Trauma to the mouth can result in the teeth cutting into the gums and injuring them. That can then cause the soft tissues of the mouth to bleed and swell. The latter may even be so severe it can make your cheeks puff up.
If your gums swell and keep bleeding, seek emergency dental help. Otherwise, you’re at risk of a more severe infection.
Never Delay Dental Care for Emergencies
As you can see, an avulsed, broken, or chipped tooth warrants emergency dental care. The same goes for severe gum swelling and non-stop bleeding.
Please head to your nearest emergency dentist if you experience those dental problems. That can help cut your risk of permanent teeth loss or infections that can spread outside your mouth.
Did you like this guide? Then please feel free to check out our latest health, wellness, and lifestyle posts!
