What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

You’re putting the finishing touches on wrapping your holiday presents when all of a sudden, a jolt of pain shoots through your mouth. Oh no, you have a toothache! Should you call your dentist? Does this count as a dental emergency? Read on to learn what qualifies as a dental emergency.

Tooth Fracture

Teeth can break or get knocked out for a variety of reasons, like trauma during sports or biting down too forcefully on something hard. Even if this happens to you and for some reason it doesn’t hurt, it’s still considered a dental emergency and you should call your dentist right away.

One way to prevent tooth fractures is to wear a mouthguard during sports or even solo physical activities. You can find them at most sporting goods store or drugstores, but it’s worth the investment to get one custom-made from your dentist. It will fit you more snugly, thus providing more protection.

Infection

Some oral infections, like gingivitis or cold sores, require medical attention but not urgent care. If you have swelling around your jawline that makes it difficult for you to breathe, it could be indicative of Ludwig’s Angina, a rare infection on the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. This definitely qualifies as an emergency, since the infection could spread from the mouth to the tissue around the heart.

Other oral infections could cause horrible pain, to the point that it interferes with your ability to sleep even when you have taken over-the-counter pain relievers. This would be another reason to see your dentist as soon as you can. Most dentists recommend calling and making an appointment as soon as the pain starts. If you put off treatment for too long, the infection could spread to other teeth, parts of the mouth, or even other areas of the body and wreak havoc.

Your sudden toothache might not seem urgent, but you should definitely get it looked at by your dentist. It might be something minor, like a cavity, or it could be something more serious, like oral cancer. Either way, it never hurts to have your dentist take a look. They can help alleviate your pain and solve the mystery of what’s going on in your mouth.

About the Author

Dr. Jacquie Nguyen earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1997. She has also undergone advanced orthodontic training at the Academy of GP Orthodontics. Her professional memberships include the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Dallas County Dental Society. If you find yourself experiencing what could be a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact her practice, Murphy Family Dental, at (972) 516-2928.