Some tooth problems—lost teeth, broken crowns, dry sockets—are easy to recognize as cases for an emergency dentist. You might find it harder to know when your gums need urgent care. Let’s face it: your gums are often an afterthought. However, it’s essential to take your gum health seriously, including when something is wrong. Below is Haven Dentistry’s guide to gum emergencies
When Your Gums Need Emergency Dentistry Care
Treating your gums as less important than your teeth is often what leads to the need for emergency treatment. In fact, gum disease can be an emergency when left untreated. If you have the advanced stage of the disease, periodontitis, you could experience severe symptoms. You can also suffer injury to your gums. Car accidents, sports injuries, or just odd mishaps can cause trauma that requires medical attention.
Your gums are often the gateway to the rest of your body—the Mayo Clinic reports links between oral health and conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Getting periodontic care at Haven Dentistry right away is therefore vital.
Emergency #1: Uncontrollable Bleeding
Generally, bleeding from your gums is a sign to set up an appointment with our Richmond, TX, dentist. However, bleeding that you can’t stop is an emergency. It could be due to:
- Gum disease
- Injury
- Dry socket
- Tooth abscess
Our office can figure out what is causing the bleeding and take steps to stop it and treat the source, such as with deep dental cleanings.
Emergency #2: Severe Pain, Swelling, or Fever
Mild gum discomfort is one thing, but severe pain and swelling that interfere with your daily activities are red flags. Fever is also a sign that your body is attempting to fight off invaders. Such symptoms could signal an abscess or advanced infection. If not addressed promptly, an infection could jeopardize your health. At Haven Dentistry, we can handle oral infections, fighting both the symptoms and the source.
Emergency #3: Soreness Plus Loose or Lost Teeth
Gum disease eats away at the tooth support provided by your gum tissue, eventually eroding the bone underneath. Trauma can also cause your teeth to feel loose or knock them out entirely. If you notice loose teeth along with gum discomfort, it’s a sign you need immediate dental intervention. Haven Dentistry can work to save your teeth and halt further damage.
Emergency #4: Something Stuck in Gums
Having an object stuck in your gums that you just can’t shift can cause pain and even lead to more severe complications. Culprits include:
- Fish bones
- Popcorn kernels
- Sharp chips or crackers
- Seeds and nuts
- Toothpick fragments
- Dental floss
- Debris from an accident
- Broken braces or oral appliances
If you’re unable to gently remove the object or experience ongoing pain, swelling, or bleeding, seek professional care at our Richmond dental office immediately. Left unattended, foreign objects in the gums can cause infections and require more complex treatments.
Emergency Dentistry Available Now for Your Gums
If any of these sound familiar, contact Haven Dentistry right away for urgent gum health support at (832) 378-7870. If you want to find ways to take care of your gums in order to help avoid these emergencies, reach out for an appointment. Our regular care keeps all aspects of your oral health in fighting shape.
