“Your smile is your strongest asset, but dental emergencies can come knocking uninvited, causing pain and discomfort. From sudden toothaches to knocked-out teeth, dental mishaps can be a real emergency that requires immediate attention from an expert dentist. Therefore, it’s crucial to know the most common types of dental emergencies and how to handle them promptly.

There are plenty of things that can happen to our teeth that may feel like an emergency but aren’t. Some dental emergencies are true, while others can wait for a regular appointment. If you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing a true dental emergency, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional help.

Here are the 9 most common types of dental emergencies:

Toothache

A toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including decay, infection, damage to the tooth, or gum disease. A toothache can be extremely painful and may make it difficult to eat or sleep. If you have a toothache, you should see a dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause and get treatment.

There are many different types of dental emergencies, but a toothache is by far the most common. This is because there are so many different things that can cause toothache. Decay, infection, damage to the tooth, or gum disease are all possible causes. A toothache can be extremely painful and may make it difficult to eat or sleep. If you have a toothache, you should see a dentist as soon as possible so that they can determine the cause and provide you with treatment.

Loose Teeth

There are a few different types of dental emergencies, but one of the most common is loose teeth. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but it usually happens because of an injury to the mouth or teeth. If you have a loose tooth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible so that they can determine the best course of treatment. In some cases, the tooth may need to be removed, but in other cases, it can be saved.

Abscessed Teeth

There are three common types of dental emergencies: toothaches, cracked teeth, and abscessed teeth. An abscessed tooth is a serious infection that occurs when bacteria make their way into the center of the tooth. This can happen through a crack or chip in the tooth, or through decay that has reached the pulp (center) of the tooth. An abscessed tooth can cause severe pain, and if left untreated, can lead to death. If you think you may have an abscessed tooth, it is important to see a dentist immediately. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection, and a root canal to remove the infected tissue from the inside of the tooth.

Cracked or Broken Teeth

There are a few scenarios in which you might experience a cracked or broken tooth. You might bite down on something hard, causing the tooth to crack. Or, you might fall and hit your mouth on a hard surface. In either case, it’s important to see a dentist right away.

If the crack is small and doesn’t go all the way through the tooth, the dentist will likely just smooth it out. If the crack is larger, they may need to put a filling or crown on the tooth. If the tooth is broken at the gum line, it will need to be extracted.

If you have a broken tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling. Try not to chew on that side of your mouth and see a dentist as soon as possible.

Knocked Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies. If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, it’s important to seek professional dental care immediately. There are a few things you can do to care for your tooth in the meantime:

– Rinse the tooth with warm water. Do not scrub it or remove any tissue attached to the root.

– Gently insert the tooth back into its socket if possible. Otherwise, store the tooth in a cup of milk.

– Apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding.

– Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed.

Bleeding Gums

If your gums are bleeding, it could be a sign of gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease. While gingivitis is not usually painful, it can lead to more serious problems if it’s not treated. If your gum bleeding is accompanied by pain, swelling, or redness, it could be a sign of periodontitis, which is a more severe form of gum disease. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

Loose Crowns or Fillings

Loose crowns or fillings can happen for a variety of reasons. If you have a loose crown, you may be able to simply put it back in place with some dental adhesive. If the tooth is painful or the crown is completely dislodged, see your dentist right away. A loose filling can also be a problem, particularly if it’s large. Again, you may be able to temporarily hold it in place with dental adhesive. If the filling is very loose or falls out entirely, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Swollen Jaw or Lips

There are many reasons why your jaw or lips might swell. It could be due to an infection, an abscess, or even a wisdom tooth that’s impacting your gum line. In any case, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible so that the issue can be diagnosed and treated.

It’s important to seek dental care right away if you have any type of swelling in your jaw or lips. Your dentist will be able to determine the cause of the swelling and provide appropriate treatment. If the swelling is due to an infection, it’s important to get it treated as soon as possible so that it doesn’t spread.

Unusual Taste

Dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes. From a chipped tooth to a broken jaw, there are many different types of dental emergencies that can occur. One of the less common types of dental emergencies is when someone experiences an unusual taste in their mouth.

While an unusual taste in your mouth may not seem like a big deal, it can actually be a sign of a serious dental problem. If you experience an unusual taste in your mouth, it’s important to see a dentist right away.

Source – Front Office Rocks Laura Nelson

There are several potential causes of an unusual taste in your mouth, including:

Cavities: They are one of the most common causes of an unusual taste in your mouth. When cavities form, they can cause a sweet or sour taste in your mouth. If left untreated, cavities can lead to significant tooth decay and eventually tooth loss.

Gum Disease: It is another common cause of an unusual taste in your mouth. Gum disease is caused by the build-up of plaque on teeth and gums. As plaque builds up, it can cause inflammation and infection of the gums. This can lead to a nasty taste in your mouth. If left untreated, gum disease can also lead to tooth loss.

Dry Mouth: It is another potential cause of an unusual taste in your mouth. It occurs when there isn’t enough saliva in your mouth to keep it moist.