Even when we have a hunch that something could be wrong with our teeth, we aren’t always certain that it’s serious enough to necessitate a trip to the dentist right away. We prefer to sit tight until the next scheduled appointment, at which point we’ll hopefully no longer be concerned about the matter. Regrettably, making assumptions like these can be extremely dangerous.
Before you indulge in more sweets, here are some major signs indicating you need to make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.
- Chewing Difficulties
Make sure that you only consume soft meals as you prepare for your trip to the dentist so that you don’t make the situation any worse than it already is if you experience any difficulty chewing.
- Dry Mouth
If you have been having long spells of dry mouth that do not appear to have any cause, it is possible that you have oral bacteria or disease. If you are experiencing persistent dry mouth and cannot pinpoint the cause, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your dentist.
- Jaw Problems
Discomfort or pain in the jaw joint when biting down or closing could be indicative of a more significant problem than merely a bad bite. Make an emergency trip to the dentist if you need help.
- Loose or Shifting Teeth
There should be no need to replace permanent teeth ever again. It’s important to pay attention to any changes in the stability of your teeth, such as shifting or looseness, because these may be indicators of underlying health problems, including bone loss or infection.
- Metallic Taste
Gingivitis is a potentially serious condition, and one of its warning signs is a metallic taste in the mouth. Do not delay in making an appointment if you develop this symptom.
- Mouth Sores
Although mouth sores are very common, they might be concerning if they persist for more than two weeks. It’s possible the sores will become infected, which will be a major problem. Make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible to have it checked.
- Numbness
Numbness and pain in the mouth and the presence of a toothache are both symptoms of an infection that has reached the tooth’s roots and may necessitate root canal treatment.
- Persistent Bad Breath
Although having foul breath is normal, it shouldn’t be a constant problem. If you have chronic foul breath, it may be a sign that something is wrong with your oral health, and you should schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.
- Problems with Dental Work
Whenever your dental work seems crooked, loose, or unpleasant, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible so that the problem can be fixed and unforeseen issues can be avoided.
- Sensitivity
Though gradual sensitivity to hot and cold is to be expected as a result of regular wear and tear on the teeth with age, unexpected sensitivity should be investigated. A cavity, gum disease, or infection can cause exposure to the pulp of the tooth.
- Sore or Bleeding Gums
In most cases, gum disease is more severe in those with a weakened immune system due to a preexisting ailment, such as diabetes. Therefore, the bacteria in plaque can cause inflammation in your gums.
- White Spots on Teeth
If you notice any white spots on your teeth, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to prevent the decay from progressing further.
Conclusion
It is very important to be aware of the signs and symptoms indicating you need to visit an emergency dentist. If you experience severe or persistent tooth pain, swelling, bleeding, lost or broken fillings, or other dental trauma, it is important to seek emergency dental care. Emergency dental care can help to save your teeth and prevent further complications.
If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Chelmsford, MA, that specializes in dental emergencies, look no further than our expertise here at Chelmsford Dental Specialists Group. We are well-known as a leading family dentist in Central Massachusetts, and we are dedicated and committed to helping patients improve and maintain their oral health. Call us today to book your first dental check-up with us.
