Despite taking practical steps to prevent dental emergencies, from practicing proper oral hygiene to visiting your dentist for regular checkups, you may sometimes need to see a dentist for additional dental work.
You should see a dentist if you get any warning dental signs. Some may be minor, others signal you’re on the threshold of an emergency. If you ignore a serious warning, your condition could deteriorate quickly.
Since it’s never obvious whether you’re dealing with a minor or severe issue, here are five signs that you should never ignore, hoping the jaw, tooth, or gum problem will go away on its own.
You Get a Toothache
Toothaches are always distressing. Don’t wait for the pain to become unmanageable before you contact a dentist. The longer you wait, the more likely it will get worse.
There are several types of pain that can accompany a toothache, from intense pressure to throbbing. Do not waste your time trying out different home remedies as the pain may be coming from an abscessed root canal or an infected tooth.
Your Gums Bleed After Your Brush Your Teeth
Bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease, an infection that attacks the tissues supporting your teeth. The bacteria from your gums can travel to the bone and infect it, leading to painful gums.
While there are different treatments, one of the most effective methods is deep cleaning, a treatment in which a dentist or hygienist removes tartar and plaque from all gum surfaces of the mouth.
Your Jaw Hurts
Consult a dentist if you are experiencing discomfort, pain, or if you feel your jaw is not working properly. While there are many potential causes of jaw pain, most can be treated by a dental professional.
One reason for jaw pain is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJ. This condition affects the muscles and joints of the jaw. It is caused by many things, but the most common is stress in the jaw muscles.
You Crack a Tooth
A cracked tooth is more susceptible to tooth decay and infection. The contamination can spread quickly and cause a host of problems such as an abscess, which is an infected pocket of pus in the tissue.
Fractured cusps, vertical root fractures, and other types of fractures are caused by a sudden change in pressure from an outside force. Cracked teeth can cause your teeth to become sensitive and painful.
Your Tooth Gets Loose
A loose tooth is often the result of trauma to the jaw, but it can also be caused by certain diseases or conditions. To find out what is causing your pain, contact a dentist who can evaluate your tooth and recommend treatment.
Schedule an Appointment with Island Dental Associates Today
Island Dental Associates is a full-service dental practice located in Franklin Square, Long Island. We provide a variety of general and cosmetic dentistry services, such as dental implants, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, full mouth reconstruction, and more. Our experienced team of dentists, specialists, and laboratory technicians is committed to providing high-quality, affordable dental care and exceptional customer service. Contact us for immediate dental assistance.