Dental Emergencies – Why You Should See an Emergency Dentist As Soon As Possible?

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, you should contact an emergency dentist auburn al as soon as possible. If the situation is not treated quickly, it can lead to severe consequences.

An emergency dentist Auburn AL will have evening and weekend hours and is often on call to assist patients when regular clinics are closed.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are not only painful but can be a sign of serious dental health problems. If your gums bleed regularly, it may be a sign of gingivitis, early gum disease. It can also be a sign of certain medical conditions such as diabetes. Diabetes decreases saliva and increases sugar that mouth bacteria can feed on. This can lead to gum infection and tooth decay.

To control bleeding gums, apply a cold compress on the outside of the mouth near the area that is bleeding. The cold compress will constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Another treatment is to put a wet tea bag on the affected area (but be careful, it can stain teeth). Vitamin and mineral deficiencies may also cause bleeding gums. Severe vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy, while vitamin K and iron are important for blood clotting and controlling bleeding. Bleeding gums can also be a side effect of HIV infection.

Knocked Out Tooth

A knocked out tooth is also known as an avulsed tooth, and it’s one of the worst dental emergencies that can happen. A knocked out tooth causes severe damage to the nerves, root, and blood vessels in the tooth socket. Fortunately, it is possible to save a knocked out tooth, but the victim needs to act quickly.

First, find the tooth and carefully handle it by its crown (chewing surface). Avoid touching the portion of the tooth below the gum line as this can cause further damage. Rinse the tooth with water and gently clean it if necessary, but do not touch or scrape the root surface. If possible, reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it there. If not, keep it moist by holding it in your cheek or a glass of milk until you can get to the dentist.

If a knocked out tooth is not saved, the patient will likely need to undergo a root canal treatment. This treatment will replace the tooth’s irritated and dead nerves and restore its function.

Gum Infections

Gum infections are caused by bacteria that build up on your teeth and harden into a sticky film called plaque. If not cleaned, it can irritate your gums, making them red and swollen and causing them to bleed. Left untreated, gingivitis can spread to the underlying tissue and bone, leading to periodontitis and eventually tooth loss. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, but certain medications, aging, and a number of medical conditions can also contribute to it.

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily is the best way to prevent gum disease and other dental emergencies. If you have an existing dental condition, you should visit a dentist regularly to keep it in check. You can use an online dental referral service, like Emergency Dental Service, to find a dentist open after hours that is close to you. They can also schedule an appointment for you. They have a 24/7 call center and offer flexible payment options.

Broken Teeth

Broken teeth can be a real emergency. Whether they break in the middle of eating or while you’re playing a sport, it is important to see an emergency dentist auburn al as soon as possible so that the cracks can be treated. Otherwise, the tooth may continue to fracture and eventually die. A dentist will also be able to tell how serious the damage is by looking at the cracked tooth’s appearance. If the crack is small, a dentist can usually repair it with a root canal procedure.

If you have a broken tooth, apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area to help reduce swelling. You should also rinse your mouth to remove food particles and dirt. If the broken part of your tooth is sharp or jagged, cover it with a piece of dental wax paraffin or sugarless chewing gum to avoid cutting your tongue or cheek. Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen can be taken to manage discomfort until you can see the emergency dentist auburn al.