10 Dental Emergency Signs You Should Never Ignore

Dental Emergencies That Require Attention

There’s something about the word emergency that just raises our hackles. Who wants something to go wrong? The answer is nobody. But, just as the word implies, an emergency always seems to take place at the least opportune of times.

Yet, when it comes to a dental emergency, you want to make sure you know what to do. Tooth pain is no joke. And dental emergencies? When you leave them untreated, not only can they be quite painful, but they can also cause bigger problems for you down the road.

So, in this article, we’ll walk you through the ten top dental emergency signs that you’ll want to be on the lookout for.

1. Severe or Sudden Tooth Pain

Your teeth aren’t supposed to hurt. And when we practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist every six months for a dental exam and professional dental cleaning, it can be easy to assume that everything is just fine. Until it isn’t. Like we said, tooth pain isn’t a laughing matter. It can make it hard for you to focus at school or at work. It can make it hard for you to get a good night’s sleep. Truth be told, it’s just no fun. 

If you are experiencing severe or sudden tooth pain that seems to come out of nowhere, it’s an indicator that you should place a call to your dentist in Mystic, Connecticut.

2. Swelling of the Gums, Face, or Jaw 

Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw is another sign that something isn’t right. In many cases, swelling can point to an infection that needs attention sooner rather than later. You might notice tenderness, redness, or a warm feeling in the area. Sometimes the swelling can even make it harder to open your mouth fully. If you notice puffiness that doesn’t go away or seems to get worse, it’s time to call your dentist.

3. Bleeding That Won’t Stop

Uncontrolled bleeding, or bleeding that won’t stop, is never something to ignore. Sometimes this can happen after a recent dental procedure if an incision reopens before it has fully healed. In other cases, it may be linked to advanced gum disease or even certain blood disorders. No matter the cause, ongoing bleeding is not normal. If pressure doesn’t stop the bleeding after several minutes, it’s time to contact your dentist.

4. A Cracked or Broken Tooth 

Our teeth are exceptionally strong, but that doesn’t mean that they are immune to cracks or breaks. This can happen when you bite into something hard (like nuts, apples, cookies, crackers, and even potato chips). It can also happen if you use your teeth as tools (please don’t do this).

But teeth can also sustain damage from trauma, such as sports contact or an accident. Thankfully, treatment for a cracked or broken tooth usually involves the placement of a crown, which is an easy dental procedure.

5. A Tooth That Gets Knocked Out 

Every year, over 5 million people in the U.S. have a tooth knocked out, which dentists call an avulsed tooth. If this happens to you or your child, act quickly. Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root, and gently rinse it if it is dirty. If possible, place it back in the socket or keep it in milk. Then head to an emergency dentist right away. Fast care can sometimes save the tooth.

6. Sudden Sensitivity to Hot or Cold 

Our dental enamel is designed to help protect the hidden nerves inside from exposure to extreme cold or heat. But over time, enamel can wear down from grinding, brushing too hard, or tooth decay. When that happens, the nerves inside your tooth can react quickly to hot coffee or ice water. In fact, about one out of every eight Americans deals with tooth sensitivity, so you are not alone if this happens to you.

7. Pain When Biting or Chewing

Your teeth work hard for you every day, especially when you bite and chew your food. But this doesn’t mean that biting or chewing should cause you pain.

If you notice pain when you bite down, it may point to a cracked tooth, a loose filling, or even an infection inside the tooth. Sometimes the pain comes and goes, while other times it feels sharp and immediate. Either way, discomfort while chewing is your body’s way of telling you something needs attention.

8. A Lost Filling or Crown

Dental fillings are a common dental treatment used when you have a small cavity. Crowns, on the other hand, are used for larger dental concerns or to help protect the natural tooth when you have experienced a broken or cracked tooth.

Though both fillings and crowns are designed to last for several years, they can fall out. And when they do, it can leave your tooth exposed, resulting in discomfort or pain. If your filling or crown has fallen out, your dentist can easily replace it. 

9. Gum Tissue That Looks Infected

Gum disease isn’t entirely uncommon. Gum disease isn’t entirely uncommon. In fact, about two in five adults have some form of it. You might notice gums that look red, swollen, or tender. They may also bleed when you brush or floss. In more serious cases, you might see pus or feel soreness along the gumline. When your gums look or feel infected, it’s time to call your dentist.

10. Persistent Bad Taste or Drainage 

Have you ever had a weird taste in your mouth, and you can’t place the source? No, we’re not talking about what might happen after you enjoy a slice (or more) of garlic bread. A constant bad taste or fluid draining near your gums can point to an infection. This sometimes happens when a pocket of bacteria forms near a tooth. If the taste won’t go away, it’s time to call your dentist.

What To Do If You Notice Any of These Signs 

Not only can the dental issues mentioned above be uncomfortable, but they can also be dangerous when not treated promptly. If you have experienced a dental emergency, such as one of these items on our list, please contact your Mystic dentist right away. We encourage you to request an appointment so that we can help you feel better as soon as possible.