Just like with any other part of your body, knowing when to seek help for mouth pain can be tricky. Is it just a random toothache or is it something far more serious? Knowing what to look for can help save you a lot of time and money down the line.
Here are five clues you have a dental emergency and need to seek help immediately.
1. Your Gums Are Bleeding and Hurt
While you should never ignore bleeding gums, even a little can indicate more serious problems, if you are experiencing excessive bleeding and pain, you could have serious gum disease. If that is the case, your dentist is going to need to see how far the disease has progressed to figure out how to combat it. However, if you catch it early, there are a number of effective treatment options.
2. You Have a Loose Tooth
Sure, as a kid a loose tooth meant a visit from the Toothfairy. But as an adult, a wiggly tooth means there is something wrong and you need to get to a dentist ASAP! If it is from an accident, you are going to make sure the rest of your teeth are intact and safe. If it is because of an infection, you are going to make sure to get it treated right away so it doesn’t spread and put the rest of your chompers at risk.
3. Your Jaw Is Swollen
A swollen jaw could be the sign you have a salivary gland infection. What is a salivary gland infection, you ask? Well, it is a bacterial infection that causes a blockage and keeps your saliva glands from breaking down food and washing away bacteria.
So, if your swollen jaw is accompanied with a fever, difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, and a horrid taste in your mouth, get emergency help right away.
4. You Have a Metallic Taste In Your Mouth
If you have been tasting metal recently and have metal fillings this could mean it is breaking down and needs to be replaced. This is bad for several reasons.
It can leave you vulnerable to more cavities and possible infections. So, if you don’t get it taken care of, you could end up needing to get a root canal. And if you have ever had one before, you know how painful and awful they can be.
5. You Have a Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses are usually caused because you didn’t go in for any of the other dental emergencies on this list. So, if you have swollen glands, a fever, pus, or a foul taste in your mouth, get to a dentist immediately. Also, be prepared for dental surgery, because that is the best and more effective way to treat an abscess.
Dental Emergencies
These five dental emergencies are just a few of the reasons you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. There are many other reasons. So, to be on the safe side, if you are experiencing any sort of mouth pain for more than a day, get to a dentist right away!
Dr. Mehta and her team consist of friendly, knowledgeable dentist and technicians, specializing in all types of dentistry. They have two offices one in Temecula, California other is in Riverside, California. So, if you have a dental emergency, get in touch today!
