It can be easy to take our teeth and gums for granted – until something goes wrong. Dental emergencies can occur when we least expect it, particularly if we haven’t been paying as close attention to our oral health as we should. To make sure you know when to make an emergency dental appointment, here are some common signs and symptoms that you really shouldn’t ignore.

You Can See Or Feel Swelling

If you can see or feel swelling inside your mouth or even on your face or neck, then it’s a good idea to arrange an appointment for same day dentistry, as this is a common indication of infection. Dental practices such as Smile Style Dental Care Centre pride themselves on providing pain-free dental care for a wide range of issues and will provide you with the treatment you need right away. Dental infections can be very serious, as if you leave them untreated there is the potential for the infection to spread to your bloodstream, so it’s best to book an emergency appointment.

Your Gums Are Bleeding

If your gums bleed when you brush and floss, or even just when you talk or smile, this is an indication that you could be suffering from gum disease. Other symptoms include reddened, swollen gums and a bad smell when you floss. It’s important that you seek treatment as soon as possible, as gum disease can become progressively worse and lead to some severe complications, including tooth loss and potentially life-threatening illnesses.

You Have Sensitivity, Pain, Or Throbbing

Sensitivity, pain, or an unpleasant throbbing sensation in your mouth, jaw, or even your ear points to a dental complication that requires treatment. Your dentist can examine you thoroughly to pinpoint the source of the problem and provide you with the appropriate treatment.

You Have A Metallic Taste In Your Mouth

If you have an old filling or two, and you begin to detect a metallic taste, this could be a sign that the filling has either loosened or is falling apart. It’s a good idea to get it checked out to be on the safe side, as if the filling does come away from your tooth, you will have a cavity that could provide an opening for infection and other problems.

You Have A Sore Spot That Isn’t Going Away

Occasional sores in your mouth or on your lips can be a sign of poor diet or even stress. However, if you have a sore spot that simply refuses to go away, it’s crucial that you alert your dentist, as it could be an indication of oral cancer. Your dentist can conduct further tests to discover what is causing the abnormality and start you on a treatment plan right away.

You Have A Loose Tooth Or A Tooth Has Fallen Out

If you have suddenly noticed that one of your permanent teeth has become loose, or if you lose a tooth unexpectedly, it’s important that you see a dentist as soon as possible – not only to make sure that you don’t get an infection but also to determine the cause of your dislodged tooth. Advanced gum disease could be the culprit.

Of course, if you have lost a tooth as a result of an accident, there’s no need to look for the contributing factor – but, if you’re lucky and you’ve kept the tooth, your dentist may just be able to reattach it for you!