If a dental problem is left untreated for too long, emergency dental care might be the answer. Ignoring a dental issue can be costly, painful, and uncomfortable.  No one should have to go through that.  Developing proper oral hygiene care early in life can continue through adulthood and help to prevent teeth, gum, and mouth disease.  But, disregarding dental problems can turn into a major issue requiring emergency dental care.

Dealing with any dental problem can be scary and overwhelming which is why your dentist should be the first person to call if experiencing an issue.  Knowing the warning signs for serious dental problems can be helpful in deciding whether you should wait until the morning, or treat it as an emergency concern.

How to know if you need emergency dental care:

  • Are you in severe pain?  If you are in severe pain and bleeding is present, then emergency dental care is needed.
  • Did you lose a tooth?  If you have lost a tooth, fast treatment through emergency dental care can help to save the tooth.
  • Is your tooth loose?  Adults should never lose teeth, if so, it should be treated as a serious problem.
  • Do you think you have an infection?  If you develop an abscess or serious infection in your mouth, it can be life threatening therefore treatment should not be avoided.
  • Are you bleeding from the mouth?  If you are bleeding from your mouth, emergency dental care is needed.
  • Do you have an unexplained sudden toothache?  If you develop a sudden toothache, emergency dental care is needed so that a diagnosis can be made.  
  • Is your jaw or mouth swollen?  You will need emergency dental care for a swollen jaw or mouth so that a diagnosis can be made.
  • Did your crown break?  You should seek emergency dental care so that the break can be assessed to determine the right treatment.

Good oral care should be a part of your daily routine to help ensure healthy teeth, gums, and mouth.  Since many health conditions can affect your oral health such as diabetes and heart disease, it is more important than ever to schedule regular dentist visits and exams.  This allows your dentist to be able to treat problems as they arise, decreasing your chances of needing emergency dental care.  

Ways to avoid potential emergency dental care:

  • Notice if there are changes to your teeth, gums or mouth associated with dental pain.
  • Maintain proper oral care regime at home.
  • Reduce the amount of daily sugar intake.
  • If playing sports, wear a protective mouth guard.
  • Replace your toothbrush regularly.
  • Perform interdental cleaning daily.
  • Address a chipped or cracked tooth with your dentist as soon as possible.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Make sure you and your family are registered with a good, reliable dentist office.
  • Address your fears and phobias of the dentist so that it doesn’t prevent you from keeping regular appointments.

Dental problems often start off as minor issues which can easily be resolved.  Whether you are experiencing minor or major dental problems, communicating your concerns with your dentist is very important.  It will help your dentist to formulate a treatment plan that you will be comfortable with.  Since your mouth is the gateway to your body, taking good care of your teeth and gums is vital to your overall health care.  

If you are looking for a trustworthy, friendly dentist in the Lafayette or Broussard, La area, schedule an appointment with Guilliot Dental today.  Their highly trained staff will treat you like one of the family.  To learn more about the services they provide, visit their website.  

Resources:

Oral Health: Brush Up On Dental Care Basics

Afraid of Going to the Dentist

Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Lead to Dental Emergency

Ways to Avoid a Dental Emergency