When a toothache strikes, it can debilitatingly affect your daily activities. You may have trouble eating, sleeping, or speaking. It can also cause discomfort and throbbing. A dental emergency is an intense and persistent pain that can threaten your health and even life. It is a very serious problem that needs to be treated immediately. This article discusses the different types of dental emergencies and provides tips on how to deal with them.
A dental emergency is any type of severe pain, swelling, or trauma to the face and teeth that requires immediate attention from a dentist. Some instances, such as a cracked tooth or a lost filling, are considered emergencies, while others, such as a bump on the gums, are not. To determine whether you should call for an emergency appointment, read the list below.
Severe pain in a tooth or jaw is the most common sign that you need to seek medical help. This could be caused by an injury or infection, or it could be a result of untreated dental issues. In some cases, the pain could be so severe that it causes you to lose consciousness. In other cases, it can be painful when you open your mouth wide or talk.
Infections of the teeth or the surrounding tissues are another reason why you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. These include irreversible pulpitis, tooth decay, apical abscesses, and periodontal disease. A pus-filled sac in the jaw is called a dental abscess, and it can be dangerous if it spreads to the brain or other areas of the body.
Other signs of a dental emergency include sudden, unexplained swelling or redness in the face or mouth, a broken or chipped tooth, a loose tooth, or a bad breath that won’t go away. You should always call your local dentist in Northbrook for advice and treatment if you experience these symptoms, as they can be serious and lead to permanent damage or loss of the tooth.
The best way to avoid a dental emergency is to maintain good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth two to three times a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Flossing between your teeth once a day and using antibacterial mouthwash twice a day will also keep your teeth healthy. In addition, you should visit your dentist for cleanings and X-rays every six months to spot problems before they worsen.