Dental Emergencies From the Fifth Dimension

When most people think of a dental emergency, the first things that come to mind are severe toothaches, chips, or a knocked-out tooth. These might be the most common reasons for an unexpected visit to the dentist, however, there are other oral crises that might seem like they’re straight out of an episode of The Twilight Zone. Keep reading to learn about some of the strangest dental dramas you’ve ever heard of.

Four Shocking and Uncommon Dental Emergencies

You may have been to the dentist for an emergency in the past, and it may have ended in a root canal, crown replacement, or an unplanned extraction. These might be common reasons to rush to the emergency dentist, but here are four bizarre ones that will likely shock you:

Garden in the Mouth

This is just what it sounds like. A mouth might seem like the last place that a plant could take root, but the reality is, there is plenty of bacteria and moisture to actually cause seeds to sprout. There have been accounts of people not cleaning their teeth properly after consuming fruits with tiny seeds that get stuck in their teeth. When seen for dental pain, the dentists have actually discovered tiny plants sprouting up out of the cavity in the tooth! This is why daily flossing and brushing to remove food particles and bacteria is so important.

Mouth Full of Maggots

This one is not for the faint of heart (or stomach). It’s also not something that is likely to happen outside of a third-world country where medical treatment and regular dental visits are not easily available. However, it can still occur! If foods that are infected with maggot eggs are ingested, and the teeth are not cleaned afterward, the eggs can actually grow inside of the gums. This can lead to severe swelling and obviously gum disease.

False Bridge

Many people have had at least one or two dreams throughout their lifetimes that involve the loss of one or more teeth. For a very small percentage, that nightmare is a reality. If oral hygiene is neglected for a long period of time, plaque can begin to build up behind and around the teeth. Over time, it turns into a substance called tartar. This substance is so hard that it can create a “bridge” that can hold teeth in place, even if they’re no longer attached to the gums! This means that once the tartar is removed, the decayed and technically detached teeth will go with it.

Palatal Perforation

This is just a fancy name for developing a hole in the roof of the mouth. It happens when the blood vessels in the roof of the mouth constrict and deliver less oxygen to the soft tissue. Eventually, the tissue dies, leaving a small hole behind. Although it is rare, it is probably the most well-known condition out of these four. It is most commonly linked to cocaine or other drug abuse, it can also be caused by autoimmune disorders or birth defects.

While these uncommon dental emergencies are not likely to happen to you, it is still important to practice a regular oral hygiene routine and take care of your pearly whites so you don’t find yourself in a strange or eerie dental situation.

About the Practice

The team of experts at Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry understands the importance of educating their patients on how to give their teeth the best care possible. Their combined years of experience and training make them the best choice for dental care in Lynchburg. It is their priority to make sure that every person who walks through the doors of their practice feels at home and in good hands. Are you ready to schedule your next dental checkup? Request an appointment online or call (434) 847-5331.