10 Signs That Your Smile Is in Danger of a Dental Emergency

You probably know to call your Lynchburg emergency dentist right away if your tooth is knocked out or broken. However, not all dental emergencies are so easy to identify. Sometimes, leaving small, easily overlooked annoyances or discomforts  in your smile can put it in serious danger. Keep an eye out for these ten symptoms that could be warning you of an upcoming dental emergency.

1.) The Taste of Metal

Tasting metal in your mouth could indicate that a filling or dental crown has broken. This issue needs to be repaired before the exposed inner layers of the tooth become damaged or infected.

2.) A Long-Lasting Canker Sore

Your mouth is naturally brimming with bacteria. If you have an oral cut or canker sore that hasn’t healed after two weeks, it may be infected. The bacteria need to be eliminated before they spread.

3.) Constant Headaches

Routinely waking up with headaches or jaw soreness are symptoms of bruxism, or grinding your teeth in your sleep. It can lead to weakened enamel, broken teeth, and TMJ disorder without help from your dentist.

4.) Tender, Inflamed, & Easily Bleeding Gums

If brushing your teeth or eating causes your gums to feel painful or bleed easily, you may have a bacterial infection known as gum disease. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to permanent jawbone damage, tooth loss, and increased risk of systemic health concerns.

5.) Worsening or Intense Toothache

Many factors can cause toothaches, but if your tooth pain is long lasting or severe, your tooth may be infected. The sooner you visit your dentist, the sooner they can relieve your pain and prevent irreversible damage to your smile.

6.) Numb Tooth

If you lose feeling in your tooth, its roots may be damaged or infected. Either circumstance needs urgent treatment to preserve as much of the tooth as possible.

7.) Loose Permanent Tooth

A loose permanent tooth is in danger of falling out and needs to be stabilized by a professional right away. If it does fall out, you need to see your dentist within 30 minutes for the best chances of reattachment.

8.) A Small Bump on Your Gums

If pus or bacteria build up around a tooth’s roots, a small bump may develop on the nearby gums. Don’t pop it! Let your dentist safely drain it and treat the underlying infection.

9.) Dental Pain with Fever or Fatigue

Your body’s immune system will respond to a serious dental infection, which could result in symptoms like fever or fatigue. At this point, the bacteria from your infected tooth can spread to and damage other parts of your body.

10.) Swelling in Your Face, Jaw, or Neck

A dangerous oral infection may also cause swelling in or around your mouth. If left untreated, this infection can become life-threatening, so seek urgent dental care immediately. If you are having difficulty breathing or swallowing, go directly to your local ER instead.

Any uncomfortable or worrying dental symptoms should be looked at by your dentist right away to keep your smile happy and healthy. If you notice any of the above signs of a dental emergency, visit your dentist right away to ease your pain and protect your oral health.

About the Practice

The highly experienced dental team of Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry always prioritize your comfort as well as your health. Their dentists are committed to completing continuing education and advanced training to stay current with the most effective and comfortable dental care techniques. They have years of experience handling an array of dental emergencies and can offer sedation dentistry options to help you feel relaxed and confident. If you are in pain, don’t hesitate to contact them via their website or at (434) 847-5331.