Practicing good oral hygiene helps reduce the risk of emergency dental care. Even with excellent oral hygiene, unexpected events can still lead to a dental emergency. Dental emergencies often happen unexpectedly, leaving you unsure if you need emergency dental care. Knowing the signs of a dental emergency can help clarify your situation and prevent unnecessary expenses on emergency treatments. This blog explains how you can see when you have a dental emergency.

You Have Sustained Facial Trauma That Has Cracked or Chipped Your Tooth

A study conducted in Queensland identified the primary reasons for emergency dental cases in children. While cavities accounted for the majority of these cases, 8% to 9% of participants sought treatment for trauma-related issues.

Trauma to the mouth can result from various incidents, such as falling or hitting your face. Regardless of whether a car accident or a sports game is the cause of your trauma, experiencing a cracked or chipped tooth is extremely painful and may result in additional complications. For example:

  • If left untreated, cracks can cause the tooth to split.
  • Chips and cracks can damage the tooth root, resulting in discolouration, decay, and infection.
  • Chips can increase the likelihood of future chips or cracks.

If you crack or chip a tooth, seek emergency dental care immediately. Your dentist will address the current issue and assess any further or underlying damage.

You Have Unusual Oral Infections

If you notice any unusual infections like redness, swelling, or pus around a tooth or in the gums, you should seek immediate dental care. These oral infections may signal underlying dental issues, such as abscesses or gum disease, that require professional treatment to prevent further complications.

You Have Severe Toothaches

A severe toothache usually indicates problems like gum disease or tooth infections. Research from Hobart shows that 66% of cases involve abscesses and toothaches. Mild toothaches can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if the pain intensifies and does not diminish, contact an emergency dentist in your area for assistance.

When you experience a severe toothache accompanied by gum pimples, tooth sensitivity, and swelling, it may indicate a dental abscess. This serious condition needs immediate care from an emergency dentist to prevent the infection from spreading to nearby teeth, jawbone, or bloodstream, which could cause various health problems.

Frequent severe toothaches typically point to more significant problems, such as:

  • Dental caries (cavities)
  • Impacted wisdom teeth
  • Periodontal disease (gum disease)

An emergency dentist will prescribe either OTC or prescription pain relievers to help alleviate your discomfort. They will also utilize X-rays and other diagnostic tools to uncover the root cause of your toothaches. The treatment plan will be based on your dentist’s official diagnosis of the cause of the infection.

For example, treatment options for a dental abscess may include root canal therapy, extraction, painkillers, and antibiotics.

Chronic Bad Breath

Persistent bad breath often signals gum disease (periodontal disease).. This disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on teeth. Plaque can lead to gingivitis and the inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, where the gums retract from the teeth and create pockets. These pockets can become infected and may ultimately result in tooth loss.

You Have Loose Teeth

Loose teeth are normal for children, but should never occur in adults without trauma. However, your teeth should remain stable as an adult and never wiggle or fall out. If you have a loose or wiggling tooth, you must contact an emergency dentist immediately.

Several factors may contribute to loose teeth. For example, an injury to your mouth or tooth can cause your teeth to become loose. Additionally, infections can cause loose teeth, particularly when accompanied by a severe toothache.

Contact your emergency dentist immediately if you experience an accident or any other head or mouth-related injury that causes loose teeth. Also, if you have tooth or jaw pain, a check-up can allow your dentist to identify and address the underlying cause.

You Have Challenges With Opening or Closing Your Mouth or Jaw Pain

If you are dealing with persistent jaw pain or struggle to open or close your mouth, this could indicate a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or a dental injury. TMJ disorders can cause chronic pain, headaches, and difficulty moving the jaw. Therefore, you should seek prompt dental care to identify the root cause of your symptoms and explore suitable treatment options.

You Have Bleeding or Painful Gums

It is common to notice some bleeding if you have not flossed for a while. This bleeding may indicate an early sign of gingivitis, though it does not qualify as a dental emergency.

However, if you notice that your gums bleed excessively and frequently, leaving you with discomfort, it is crucial to seek emergency dental care. Bleeding gums along with pain could be a sign that gum disease is developing or becoming worse. Seeking prompt dental care can help preserve your natural teeth and prevent tooth loss.

Detecting gum disease in its initial stages is the most effective way to prevent its deterioration and avoid the need for costly dental implants.

Your dentist may suggest more frequent and detailed cleanings or surgery based on how severe the gum disease is. Surgical options aim to treat advanced gum disease, including tissue or bone grafts, tissue regeneration, flap, and bone surgery.

Your Jaw or Mouth is Swollen

A swollen jaw can indicate many dental issues. Swelling may be caused by an infection, swollen lymph nodes, or, rarely, oral cancer.. The swelling could also come from gum disease, and you might find it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the bulge.

Here are some tips for caring for yourself at home:

  • Do not chew on the side of the sore tooth, and avoid hot or cold foods and drinks, as your tooth might be sensitive to temperature changes.
  • Place a cold pack on your jaw over the painful area to help reduce swelling and provide temporary numbness. If you wish, gently massaging the numbed cheek may also help alleviate some of the discomfort
  • You may take over-the-counter medication to relieve pain, unless you have been prescribed a different medication. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, please consult your health care provider before using acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
  • You can apply clove oil directly to the tooth for pain relief, which is available at most drugstores

Ultimately, visiting an emergency dentist is the ideal course of action to address the swelling and pain you are experiencing.

Your Teeth Are Showing Signs of Abscesses

An abscess is a painful infection located at the root of a tooth, often resulting from an untreated cavity or advanced gum disease. Additionally, physical trauma to your mouth, such as chipping or cracking a tooth, frequently contributes to the development of an abscess.

You might identify dental abscesses through the following symptoms:

  • A fever
  • Presence of pus
  • Unpleasant breath or a bad taste in your mouth
  • Swollen glands

Your emergency dentist will first rule out other infections before treating the abscess. After that assessment, they will provide the appropriate treatment. Typically, addressing an abscess involves surgical intervention to remove and treat the infected root.

You Have an Injury to Your Soft Tissues

Severe soft tissue injuries can occur in the mouth, cheeks, affecting the gums, lips, or tongue. Accidents, sports, falls, and biting hard things can cause injuries. These injuries can cause pain and bleeding, so you should seek prompt and careful treatment to avoid infection and help with healing.

You can consider the following measures to control your bleeding:

  • Rinse the mouth gently with a mild salt-water solution to help cleanse the area.
  • Use a moistened piece of gauze or a caffeinated tea bag to apply firm pressure to the bleeding site, holding it in place for 15 to 20 minutes. The tannic acid in tea can constrict blood vessels and slow the bleeding.
  • For additional relief from pain and to help control the bleeding, hold a cold compress against the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area for five to ten minutes.
  • If the bleeding continues, see a dentist or immediately visit the emergency room. Keep applying gauze pressure to the bleeding area until you receive professional help.

You Have a Metallic Taste in Your Mouth

Experiencing a metallic taste in your mouth often indicates that a dental crown or filling may loosen. Though you might want to wait until your next appointment, bacteria can cause further damage if left untreated. To protect your dental health, visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible to fix the loose filling or securely cement the dental crown.

For minor pain and swelling, you can use home remedies or over-the-counter medications to relieve pain until you see a dentist. However, if your situation becomes more complicated or painful, seek prompt treatment from a nearby emergency dentist to avoid unnecessary complications. Receiving prompt treatment can increase your chances of saving the affected tooth and preventing further complications.

You Have a Dislodged Tooth

If you have a dislodged adult tooth, you should seek the attention of an emergency dental practitioner as soon as possible. Trauma or dental issues like gum disease can cause teeth to become dislodged. Do not touch or wiggle the tooth; gently bite down on a clean cloth or gauze to keep it stable. Seeking dental care quickly increases the chances of saving the tooth and putting it back in place.

Your Teeth are Suddenly Sensitive

If you suddenly feel tooth sensitivity and pain without explanation, it could indicate a dental emergency. This sensitivity might suggest you have an exposed nerve or a dental infection. Do not expose the sensitive tooth to extreme temperatures. Seek dental care right away to avoid more discomfort or complications.

You Have a Broken or Lost Dental Restoration

Occasionally, older dental restorations may become dislodged or fall out. If a filling is missing or damaged, you can temporarily fill the cavity with sugarless gum. Also, avoid sugary gum to prevent discomfort. Additionally, you can use an over-the-counter (OTC) cement for temporary relief. You should visit your dentist at your earliest convenience.

If you have a damaged bridge or dental crown, schedule an appointment with your dental professional as soon as possible and remember to bring the dental restoration with you. If you can, carefully reposition the restoration and coat the inner parts with a denture adhesive or an OTC dental cement to help keep it securely in place.

Why Is It Important to Know If You Have a Dental Emergency?

When you delay seeking help from your emergency dentist, you risk facing serious consequences, such as:

  • Losing a tooth permanently
  • Experiencing severe pain and distress
  • Allowing an infection to spread to other areas of the body, which can be life-threatening
  • Encountering more complex and costly treatment options

Knowing when to seek immediate dental care can significantly impact your oral health and help you avoid complications.

Benefits of Seeking Emergency Dental Services

Seeking immediate emergency dental services offers several significant benefits, such as:

  • To preserve your teeth—Emergency dental care can determine whether you keep your affected tooth intact or face the need for one or more extractions.
  • Relieve discomfort—Discomfort can turn into pain. By addressing the issue quickly, you can find relief faster
  • Prevent further complications—Untreated dental issues often result in bigger problems.
  • Protect your dental work—Quickly addressing cracked crowns, broken braces, or damaged bridgework can help save these crucial restorations
  • To safeguard your health—Infections may result in abscesses, which can escalate to serious conditions like sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis, potentially leading to life-threatening situations
  • To save on costs—By addressing problems early, you can avoid the expenses of more extensive dental procedures later.

What Is Not a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental concern requires immediate attention. Here are some instances of non-emergencies:

  • A minor toothache that improves with over-the-counter pain relief and does not disrupt eating or sleeping.
  • Minor chips or cracks in teeth that do not cause pain or present sharp edges.
  • Lost fillings or crowns that are not painful and do not pose a risk of further injury
  • Mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
  • Broken braces or wires that are not causing pain or risking injury.
  • Food lodged between teeth can be easily removed with dental floss.

While these situations are not emergencies, contacting your dentist to schedule an appointment is still essential.

How to Manage Symptoms Until You See a Dentist

You can manage your symptoms by following the following measures:

  • For dull toothaches—Rinse the mouth with warm, clean water. Check for anything stuck between your teeth by using dental floss. Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as naproxen, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, but do not use aspirin directly on the gums because it can burn the tissue. Contact a dentist to set up an appointment.
  • For minor chips or cracks in the teeth—If the chips or cracks are not causing pain, you can wait until a dental professional can see you. However, if sharp or uncomfortable edges irritate the cheeks or tongue, cover the areas with orthodontic wax, which you can find in the dental health aisle of most pharmacies.
  • For broken dental braces—Unless you experience bleeding, broken braces typically do not constitute a dental emergency. If a broken wire pokes your tongue or cheeks, gently twist the end of the brace's wire using a blunt object or pencil eraser, and cover it with orthodontic wax until you see an orthodontist or dentist.
  • For objects stuck between the teeth—If something is lodged between the teeth, gently attempt to remove it using an interproximal brush or dental floss. Avoid using sharp instruments to dislodge the object.
  • For minor soft tissue injuries—Rinse the mouth well with an antibacterial mouthwash or saltwater solutions. Press a clean piece of cotton gauze against the affected area. The bleeding can stop within fifteen to twenty minutes. If it does not, seek medical help right away.

If you face any of the issues mentioned, seek medical help quickly. Your dentist can evaluate the situation and suggest the steps to avoid more damage or tooth loss.

How Often Should I Visit a Dentist To Prevent Dental Emergencies?

You should visit a dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups. These professional cleanings and checkups help detect early signs of cavities, gum disease, or other issues before they develop into dental emergencies.

Find an Aliso Viejo Emergency Dentist Near Me

A dental emergency can cause stress, but acting quickly can significantly enhance oral health and comfort. If you experience a severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or swelling in your face, quickly visit a dentist for professional care to promote a fast recovery.

Acting promptly and obtaining professional help often prevents complications and leads to better results. We at South Coast Dentistry can assist you with emergency dental care in Aliso Viejo. Call 949-274-9086 or visit our website to discover more about our emergency dental services and how we can help you keep your smile healthy.