• Bleeding and ache in the gums

Whether you are experiencing swollen red gums that bleed when you brush, or inflamed gums that cause you severe pain on a regular basis or especially so during meals, these are immediate signs that you require emergency dental services. Aching and bleeding gums are all symptoms of gum disease or periodontal disease. These diseases need to be treated as soon as possible, to minimise chances of severe tooth loss.

• Fractured teeth

If your teeth have cracked or fractured, you will need to receive emergency dental services. In cases where the fracture is severe, your gums and other adjacent teeth can be affected. If you are not experiencing any pain despite having cracked your teeth, it will still be best to seek emergency care as only your dentist will be able to assess the damage and advise accordingly.

• Loose teeth

If your teeth are loose or knocked out, this is a clear sign that you require emergency dental treatment. With loose teeth, they often indicate signs of underlying issues, such as an infection. Sometimes, sports injuries and accidents can also be the cause. Your dentist will be able to conduct an examination to diagnose the extent of your injury and to provide the dental care required.

• Toothache

Suffering from toothache or tooth numbness is one of the most common problems. However, it should not be ignored or considered an issue that does not require care or attention. A severe or recurring toothache can be due to other serious dental problems, and is something that needs to be examined by your dentist.

• Headaches

While headaches are usually caused by a cold or fever, there is a possibility that if it is recurring, it can be connected to a dental problem. Decay in the teeth, severe gum diseases or tooth grinding can be closely tied to headaches. Therefore, it is imperative that you seek advice and treatment from your dentist immediately.

• Swollen jaws

Swollen jaws are usually attributed to an infection on the gums, or of the glands in your mouth. Common symptoms include the inability to open your mouth without experiencing some pain, or even bad breath. Seeking help from an experienced dentist in such cases is recommended.

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to ensure that proper dental consultation and emergency attention is sought. Sometimes, it may be a reflection of other significant issues and therefore it is crucial to seek help. In addition to this list of signs, there is a possibility that dental emergencies can occur after one undergoes any dental surgery or procedure. In the situation that your crown or filling falls off, immediate care is also needed.

What to do if these situations happened to you:

• Broken or chipped teeth

Experiencing a broken, chipped or cracked tooth is incredibly common. If you face this problem, it is best that you visit your nearest dentist immediately. A broken or chipped tooth is vulnerable to the spread of bacteria, possibly resulting in infections or gum disease. Once you’ve realised you have a broken or chipped tooth, you should first find any pieces of your tooth and bring it along to your dentist. Depending on the fracture or crack, your dentist may be able to repair your tooth with the broken piece.

To reduce your discomfort before visiting your dentist, here’s what you can do:

• Avoid foods or liquids that are too hot or too cold as extreme temperatures will cause severe pain.
• If you are eating or drinking, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where you’ve broken or chipped your tooth.
• Take a pain medication.

During your appointment, your dentist will be able to access the damage and determine whether your tooth can be repaired. In some cases, the tooth may need to be extracted. If an emergency extraction is required, you will require follow-up appointments to restore the condition of your smile, with an artificial tooth or additional dental work. For example, cosmetic dental bondingor a dental crown can help to restore the appearance of a chipped tooth.

• Knocked out tooth

For this emergency dental situation, fast and proper treatment can play a major role in saving the tooth. When a tooth gets knocked out, you should first locate the tooth. The remaining necessary steps differ for adults and kids, as follows:

For adults: The best solution is if it is still in your mouth, try to reinsert it into the socket. If it doesn’t stay, keep it under your tongue or in a cup of saliva/milk.

Forkids: DO NOT attempt to reinsert the tooth, and do not place it in the kid’s mouth. Store in a glass of milk.

Time is important for the survivability of the tooth. Should you face such a situation, contact us immediately for trauma management.

• Severe tooth pain or sensitivity

Tooth pain, or toothache, can be caused by a cavity, a fractured tooth, a damaged nerve or even an infection. In the situation where the pain prevents you from being able to chew without discomfort, or if the pain is constant, you may be facing a dental emergency and should visit your dentist immediately. Fast and accurate treatment will help to prevent further problems. To determine whether you will receive a dental filling or any other treatment, however, will be dependent on your dentist’s assessment and the cause of the pain.

Some of the steps for teeth pain relief include:

• Rinse your mouth out with salt water. To create salt water, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water.
• Floss to remove any food debris.
• Take an over-the-counter medication to reduce pain.

While these steps may relieve some of the pain, you should still schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible, and to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the affected area.