Four Signs that a Dental Emergency is in the Works
You’ve most likely heard the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, but sometimes it seems like the window of opportunity for prevention closes just a little too quickly, doesn’t it? This is especially true in regard to your mouth. A cavity or gingival infection can creep up on you, and you could be faced with a lot of pain, and it might seem like there was nothing you could do to stop it. So what are some of the warning signs that would indicate that there might be an impending dental problem in your immediate future? Here are some things Dr. Khan would like her Sacramento, Ca., patients to be on the lookout for.
- Teeth sensitivity.
The pain which teeth sensitivity brings is very distinct. It is described as a stabbing pain but it goes away very quickly. And this pain is only triggered whenever you eat or sip something cold or hot and bite into anything hard. Teeth sensitivity means that your enamel is wearing thin or that there are holes formed in this region, allowing substances to flow into the sensitive pulp layer.
- Bleeding whenever you brush or floss.
Even if you brush and floss ever so gently, the presence of blood could mean that you have an underlying gingival condition. Most likely this condition is gingivitis, or the mild inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis develops whenever you allow tartar to accumulate below the gum line, and if left untreated, is a prelude to periodontal disease, which could eventually involve the destruction of deeper gum tissues and even your jawbones.
- Pain.
Simple pain not caused by anything you put into your mouth can be the sign of a problem. The pain could be dull but lingering. This symptom could mean a lot of things, from a minor infection to a more seriously abscessed tooth. Regardless, schedule an appointment with Smiles Dental Studio in Sacramento, CA the moment you feel pain that does not resolve after a few minutes. You can try taking OTC pain relievers while you are waiting for your appointment with Dr. Khan.
- Swelling and other signs of inflammation.
You know that you have an ongoing infection once the signs of inflammation start to develop. Swelling is one of these signs and is due to the increased blood flow to the site of infection, a normal bodily reaction to promote cellular repair. Other signs which might accompany swelling include pus formation and sensation of heat in the area of the infection.
Call Smiles Dental Studio in Sacramento, CA immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.