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When you’re brushing your teeth, did you notice that your gums looked slightly swollen, or did you wake up with a weird metallic taste in your mouth? These seem like subtle and small symptoms, but when left untreated, they can progress into serious issues. A dental emergency isn’t always just a broken or chipped tooth, it can consist of any dental concern that may need immediate attention. When it comes to your oral health, it’s best not to take a gamble. Below are four signs that you should visit your emergency dentist before it’s too late.
“My Tooth Hurts So Badly I Can Hardly Even Brush”
Toothaches can vary on a spectrum of pain and seriousness. Sometimes, oral discomfort can be the result of a problem as small as a popcorn kernel or piece of potato chip stuck in your teeth. However, it’s also a common symptom of an infected tooth. Either way, there’s something wrong with your mouth. If you’ve brushed and flossed your teeth and your pain still persists, it’s time to visit an emergency dentist before an infection has the opportunity to spread.
“My Swollen Jaw Makes It Look Like I’ve Been In a Fight”
When people comment on your swollen jaw, there’s only so many times you can say “oh yeah, you should see the other guy.” Swelling can be a sign of an infected zit or gums. If it’s already causing you severe pain, immediately call your dentist to ask what you should do. If you caught it while it’s just slightly tender or swollen, it’s okay to wait a few days and see if it gets better.
“My Tongue Tastes Like Metal”
Chances are, you haven’t been licking much metal. So, there’s no reason your tongue should taste like you have been. If you’ve noticed a bitter, metallic taste in your mouth, it could be the signs of a broken amalgam filling for a cavity. Nowadays, dentists typically use composite resin to repair and restore a tooth affected by decay. Over the years that you’ve had your amalgam filling, your tooth has changed sizes and shapes, allowing it to become damaged, loose, or even fall off. It’s important to replace the restoration immediately after you notice something is wrong to prevent any additional damage.
“Why Hasn’t the Burned Roof of My Mouth Healed Yet? It’s Been a Month”
Everyone can relate to the annoying problem of burning the roof of their mouth on some scalding hot food they just couldn’t wait to chow down on. Normally, these aren’t considered dental emergencies. However, if the injury doesn’t heal within a week or two or it becomes infected, it’s time to visit your dentist because something could be wrong.
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference between a regular oral health problem and a dental emergency. When small issues are left to become more serious, they can end up having an impact on your overall wellbeing. Without timely care, they can also need more costly procedures, which is why seeing an emergency dentist can actually save you money as well as time down the road. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest professional as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Angelo Julovich understands that accidents happen and can be extremely overwhelming to deal with. He’s passionate about helping his patients by restoring their damaged teeth and easing their discomfort caused by dental emergencies. He focuses on providing fast, effective care that will help ease patients’ stress and pain. He was recently voted Top Dentist for the 10th year in a row as a testament to his quality of patient-centered care. For questions about a dental emergency or to schedule an appointment, visit Trinity Dental’s website or call 317-769-3335.