We have seen a few signs that a dental emergency is imminent in the first part of the series. Here, we look at the second part to list more signs that you need to be aware of.
More than half the population doesn’t go to a dentist office every year.
The Teeth are Numb
Aside from sensation in the teeth, you might also realize that your tooth is numb. If the teeth feel numb, then there is an issue with nerves. When this happens, you need a root canal. The nerve can die off after the tooth cracks or has a huge cavity.
Trauma or injury to the tooth can lead to a nerve’s death, which leads to numbness. Many teeth lose access to blood flow and nutrients, which results in numbness. When this happens, you need to visit the dentist office in Brooklyn immediately.
Your Teeth are Sensitive
Sensitive teeth experience pain when you take hot, cold, or spicy foods. Sensitivity can be due to tooth decay. When teeth decay, they expose the nerves, which are then affected by these foods.
Sensitivity can also arise from a tooth that is fractured. Receding gums expose the underlying dentin that protects the root surface, causing sensitivity. Tooth grinding can also cause internal inflammation of the nerve tissue.
When you have sensitive teeth, the first stop should be your dentist’s office. The dentist will prescribe sensitive toothpaste or cover the exposed area.
A Swollen Jaw that Won’t Open or Close
When your jaw has issues, the only person that can save you is a dentist. If the jaw changes the way it usually functions, you need to see a dentist immediately. If the jaw refuses to open or close, your next step needs to be the dentist’s office. Problems with the jaw opening or closing are usually a sign of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issue. It is advisable to seek treatment at a dentist office in Brooklyn earlier to avoid the problem from persisting. Advanced cases in the TMJ might require surgical intervention.
Swelling around the jaw area is also a sign of danger. This could be a growth or an infected tooth. This is a reason for you to head to the dentist’s office to have it checked out.
A Persistent Mouth Sore
Everyone experiences mouth sores once in a while. The typical mouth sore lasts a few days, and then they disappear. If the sore persists, it could signal something more dangerous such as oral cancer. See a dentist immediately for cancer screening and an oral exam to determine what the problem is.
The dentist might perform a biopsy to determine the pathology of the sore. Any strange abscesses and color change in the mouth that lasts more than seven days need to be evaluated immediately.
Persistent Mouth Odor
Bad breath is a sign that something is amiss. When you realize you have developed bad breath, you need to consult a dentist to determine the source of the bad breath. In many ways, bad breath is a sign of underlying conditions that can be anything from metabolic disorders to infection. The role of the dentist is to rule out all these conditions to find out the cause.
Bad Taste in the Mouth
Bad tastes usually come because you have eaten something or you haven’t brushed for long. Brushing your teeth usually takes the bad breath away. If the condition persists, you need to understand that something is wrong and you need to talk to a dentist immediately.
Bad taste is caused by gingivitis, yeast infections, and oral thrush. At times, you can get a metallic taste in the mouth, which could be a side effect of medication. In women, this could be a side effect of hormonal changes.
The Mouth is Ever Dry
If your mouth is ever dry, then it should be a cause for concern. Saliva ensures that your mouth doesn’t dry up at all. A dry mouth is a precursor for cavities, and when nothing is done about it, the cavities get bigger faster.
The dentist will use special rinses to get your mouth to produce saliva. You can also get prescriptions that promote the production of saliva in the mouth.
If you are on other medications, then you might experience dry mouth. This is why it is vital to tell your dentist all about the medications you are using during the initial consultation.
Final Words
The dentist office in Brooklyn offers emergency dental services for you and your family. Make sure you call the dentist any time you have an issue that needs immediate attention.
