Is there an easy way to tell whether your dental aches and pains are normal, or you should see a dentist in Canton for emergency treatment? After all, toothaches seem to come in all shapes and sizes. Fortunately, there are a few telltale signs to look out for. If you meet any of the criteria in this post, you should contact your dentist right away for emergency treatment.
You Have a Loose Tooth
Loose teeth might be cute when you’re young, but once you’re an adult, they should remain firmly rooted in their sockets. Wiggling or shifting teeth may be a symptom of advanced gum disease. You should get this condition treated as soon as possible. Otherwise, your teeth could fall out!
Your Gums Ache and Bleed
Another sign of gum disease is having gums that feel sore and bleed when you brush and floss. Many people think that a little bleeding when cleaning their teeth is normal, but that’s not the case. It’s a sign of a serious bacterial infection within your gum tissue.
You Have Constant Headaches
If your headaches are chronic and occur frequently, your jaw joint may be to blame. Problems with your temporomandibular joint, also known as your TMJ, may cause frequent headaches and even migraines. You might also grind your teeth, a habit called bruxism. This habit can accelerate wear and tear on your enamel or cause your teeth to crack. Luckily, your dentist can typically treat this issue.
Your Toothache Went Away
You might think that if a toothache subsides, that it has healed itself. Sadly, this isn’t usually the case. In fact, unlike general medical problems like the common cold, dental health issues normally worsen the longer you put off treatment. If your toothache suddenly fades away, it could mean that the nerve inside the tooth has “died.” You might need a root canal to save your tooth from an extraction.
You Have a High Fever or Swelling
A fever could be due to any number of medical problems, but if it’s accompanied by swelling in or around your mouth, you might have an infection in your tooth, gums, or jawbone. This is a sign that shouldn’t be ignored. Contact your dentist as soon as you can.
Some situations are less obvious as to whether you need emergency treatment from a dentist in Canton. It’s no question that you should see one if you knock out or break a tooth, but some signs are less self-explanatory. If any of the situations described above sound familiar to you, call your dentist right away.
About the Author
Dr. J. D. Robison has completed courses at both the Dawson Academy and the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He has undergone hundreds of hours of continuing education courses to diagnose and treat dental pain and emergencies. His practice offers same-day emergency appointments. If you even think you might be suffering from a dental emergency, contact them at (734) 453-6320.