Have you ever had really intense tooth pain seemingly out of nowhere? Have you ever been chowing down on something crunchy and accidentally chipped a tooth? Have you ever noticed your face swelling up all of a sudden? All of these situations warrant a visit to your dentist because you have a dental emergency on your hands. But what can you do until your emergency appointment time rolls around? Your dentist is here with some answers on how to handle common dental emergencies until you can reach the office.
If Your Face Swells Up
Serious swelling is often a sign of an infection of a tooth, gums, or bone that needs immediate treatment. Otherwise, it could spread to other parts of your body. To avoid worsening the situation, don’t lie flat. Stay upright, even if you have to sleep. Drink plenty of water, since dehydration can increase your risk of developing complications from infections.
If You Bleed While Brushing or Flossing
While this might seem like a common condition, it’s actually a sign of gingivitis, or the first stage of gum disease. Although this situation is not as urgent as a knocked-out tooth, you should still call your emergency dentist if you notice blood in the sink after performing your oral hygiene routine. If you don’t get treatment for gum disease soon enough, you could lose your teeth!
If You Have a Bump on Your Gums
A pimple-like bump on your gums is usually an abscess, or a serious infection in your gums. An abscess could mean the gum or tooth is infected, and it might require a root canal or tooth extraction. Whatever you do, do NOT attempt to pop the bump like you would a pimple. Keep brushing and flossing the area as normal until you can see your dentist.
If You Have Pain When You Bite
Pain when you bite could be due to one of several reasons. It could be a sign that you grind your teeth at night, in which case your dentist will likely prescribe a nightguard. You might have a crack or chip in your tooth that has reached the sensitive center of your tooth called the pulp, where the nerves are located. You could alternatively have an abscess in your tooth, which requires immediate attention. Whatever the case may be, you should call your dentist as soon as you can.
When it comes to dental emergencies, it’s worth noting that they generally get worse the longer you put off getting treatment for them. That’s why as soon as you notice something abnormal or painful in your mouth, you should contact your dentist right away.
About the Author
Dr. Christine Laster obtained her dental degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. She maintains active memberships in many professional organizations, like the American Dental Association and the American Association of Women Dentists. Her practice is currently only treating dental emergencies due to the COVID019 pandemic. If you find yourself with a dental emergency, contact her Raleigh office at (919) 787-0355.
