Loose or Knocked-Out Teeth
If a tooth or multiple teeth have separated from the gum line due to a hard impact to the mouth, there is a possibility one of our dentists will be able to save the tooth. It’s critical to not delay in these situations. The longer the tooth is out of the mouth or not properly attached, the less chance your dentist has to successfully reattach it.
It’s important to keep the area clean until you are able to get to your dentist. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away any food, dirt or debris that may have been introduced from the accident. If the tooth is no longer in your mouth, place it in milk to preserve it as long as possible. However, always try to keep the tooth in your mouth if it has not completely detached. Do not attempt to remove the tooth yourself.
Related:
Swelling in the Gums or Tongue
Swelling in the mouth can be caused by a number of reasons, including food particles becoming lodged between the teeth and gums. However, there are other causes that should be assessed by a professional as soon as possible because it could be a sign of a more serious issue.
Applying a cold compress should help bring down the swelling until you can see your dentist. If the swelling is accompanied by noticeable discomfort, there’s the possibility of a cyst or infection in that area of the mouth. If these things are left untreated, it could lead to significant health developments down the road.
Related:
Excessive Bleeding in the Mouth
If you experience an excessive amount of bleeding in your mouth for any reason, seek professional help as soon as possible. If the bleeding is not controlled quickly, you put yourself at risk for a number of immediate health issues.
When there is blood present in the mouth, it’s important to find the source of the bleeding so whatever issue you are experiencing can be properly treated. If you were just in an accident or had a fall, there’s a possibility your jaw may be broken, teeth have been knocked out, or your tongue or gums were damaged from the impact. Also, an infection or advanced gum disease could be the cause of the bleeding. Do your best to find the source and apply pressure to slow the bleeding until you can see one of our dentists.
Sudden Severe Pain in Teeth or Gums
When experiencing sudden pain in your gums or teeth, it’s a clear sign that something is not right. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate some of the discomfort, but your dentist should be consulted immediately to get to the root of the problem. It’s crucial to not ignore the pain, especially if it’s getting steadily worse.
Applying a cold compress can also help with the pain, but should only be applied temporarily until you are able to see one of our dentists. The pain can be a sign of tissue inflammation due to infection, tooth decay, or an abscess. If the infection spreads to other parts of the body, the situation can potentially become life-threatening.