Are you experiencing new or unusual dental symptoms, but are second-guessing whether you should call your Conway emergency dentist? You probably know to get urgent dental care for a cracked or knocked-out tooth, but not every dental emergency is so easy to identify. Some easily overlooked symptoms in your mouth could indicate a more serious underlying issue. Here are ten warning signs to look out for that let you know you need urgent treatment to save your smile.
1.) You Taste Metal in Your Mouth
If a dental crown or filling is cracked or damaged, you may taste metal in your mouth. It needs to be repaired right away to protect the exposed part of the tooth from further damage or decay.
2.) You Have a Canker Sore That Won’t Heal
Your mouth is naturally brimming with bacteria. If you have an oral cut or canker sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks, it may be infected. If it’s left untreated, the infection can worsen and spread.
3.) You Have Constant Headaches
Regularly waking up with headaches and jaw soreness are common symptoms of grinding your teeth in your sleep. Without help from your dentist, it can result in TMJ disorder and broken teeth.
4.) Your Gums Ache and Bleed Easily
A serious bacterial infection called gum disease can cause gum tissue that is inflamed, sensitive, and bleeds easily. Untreated gum disease can permanently damage the jawbone and lead to tooth loss.
5.) You Have a Severe, Long-Lasting Toothache
If your tooth’s pulp or roots becomes infected, you may experience an intense toothache that gets worse over time. The bacterium needs to be cleared away quickly to save the tooth and ease your discomfort.
6.) Your Tooth Suddenly Goes Numb
If a previously painful tooth suddenly goes numb, its roots or nerve may be permanently damaged by bacteria. It needs to be seen by your dentist right away to keep the tooth from falling out or dying.
7.) You Have a Loose Permanent Tooth
Any time a permanent tooth is loose, it’s in danger of being lost. It needs to be stabilized by your dentist soon or else it may become completely dislodged.
8.) You Have a Small Bump on Your Gums
A dental abscess, or a buildup of pus around the roots of a tooth, may cause a small bump on your gums. Your dentist can safely drain it and prevent the infection from spreading.
9.) Your Toothache is accompanied by Fever or Fatigue
A serious infection in your mouth will trigger your immune system, which could cause a fever or fatigue. The dangerous bacterium can spread and damage other parts of your body if allowed to grow.
10.) Your Jaw, Neck, or Face is Swollen
Another sign of a severe oral infection is swelling in your mouth or face. It can become life-threatening without professional treatment, so see your dentist right away to eliminate the dangerous bacteria.
If you’re experiencing new, unusual, or uncomfortable dental symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They can give you guidance over the phone to help you get back to enjoying your happy, healthy, and pain-free smile.
About the Author
At American Dental Care, our talented team is proud to offer same-day treatment for dental emergencies in Conway, SC, even on Saturdays. Thanks to Dr. Tommy Murph’s 25+ years of experience and advanced training in topics like dental implants and orthodontics, he offers a wide variety of treatments to help you overcome nearly any oral health issue. Whether you need a simple filling or a more advanced treatment like periodontal therapy, his top priority is to keep you as comfortable as possible while you get the excellent treatment you need. He can be reached via his website or at (843) 488-4357.