3 Signs That You Need To See Your Dentist Immediately

Typically people don't enjoy going to the dentist, but regular dentist appointments are an important part of keeping your teeth healthy. You can put off a routine dental appointment, but in the case of a dental emergency, you need to visit your dentist right away. Here are three signs that you need an emergency dental procedure.

1. Your tooth is loose

If your tooth is loose, you shouldn't just ignore it. A loose tooth may be a sign of gum disease or a side effect of injury to your mouth. Your dentist can examine you to make sure that your loose tooth isn't a symptom of a disease. He will also treat the loose tooth by stabilizing it, usually by attaching it temporarily to the surrounding teeth. This will give your tooth the chance to heal and save you from having to get an extraction. Until you can get to the dentist, do your best to leave the tooth alone; don't wiggle it with your fingers or tongue.

2. Your tooth broke

Teeth are generally pretty sturdy, but accidents can damage them. A tooth can break if you accidentally bite down on the pit of a fruit or an unexpected bone in your meat. If you're bleeding from the affected tooth, do your best to stop the blood flow using a clean piece of cotton or gauze. When your tooth breaks, you will need to see your dentist within 24 hours, according to Spirit Dental. Your dentist will most likely fit a crown over a cracked tooth in order to protect it from further damage.

3. Severe pain

Severe tooth pain can indicate an abscessed tooth. This is a condition that develops from an infection that forms in the root of your tooth, usually due to an untreated cavity. If you suddenly have intense pain in your mouth, you should make an emergency appointment with your dentist right away. Until you're able to see your dentist, you can manage your pain using over-the-counter pain relief medications. 

Clove oil can also help to alleviate discomfort when applied topically. If untreated, an abscessed tooth can be fatal because the bacteria can spread to your brain. If your face begins to swell at any point, go to the emergency room immediately because the infection may be spreading to other parts of your body.

Your teeth are the only ones you'll ever get, so it's important that you take good care of them. If you experience any of these dental emergencies, you need to make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.