Whether due to a lack of insurance or inability to access proper dental care, instances of dental emergencies seem to be increasing amongst Canadians. A dental emergency can occur even if you take great care of your teeth, so it's best to stay prepared with the proper information. This brief guide will highlight four things to consider before seeking emergency dental care.
1. Bleeding In many cases, people are shocked to notice that their gums are bleeding and assume they must need emergency dental services. While it is true that bleeding teeth can require emergency dental care in some instances, you should be wary of the symptoms of common gum diseases. For example, approximately seven in ten Canadian adults have some form of gum disease. This most commonly manifests as gingivitis, which may mean you notice "a bit of pink in the sink" after flossing or brushing your teeth. Such a condition can be remedied by being more attentive with daily flossing and brushing and should not require emergency dental work. Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a check-up. 2. Swelling Bleeding gums are one thing, but if you happen to notice unusual swelling accompanied by pain in your gums, face, or lymph nodes, that can be a sign of a much more serious problem. Such symptoms can be a sign of infection, which can easily enter your bloodstream and potentially become fatal. In such scenarios, it is crucial that you receive emergency care right away 3. Cracked, Broken, or Lost Teeth Teeth that have been broken or knocked out are truly what is considered a dental emergency. This is because, in these situations, time is absolute of the essence. Teeth can be salvaged or replanted only if a dental professional is reached and seen as soon as possible, so securing emergency dental care is of utmost importance. 4. Pain As is the case most anywhere else in the body, if the pain in your gums or jaws becomes too great to bear, or even spreads to other areas, then it's high time to be treated by a professional. Such pain can be a sign of any number of dental problems, so it's important that a licensed dentist investigates the source of the problem and even takes x-rays if necessary. Whether you need an extraction or gum therapy, an experienced dentist can do what's necessary to alleviate your pain. Emergency Dental Care in Guelph At the end of the day, even if you're not certain you have a dental emergency, it's always best to err on the side of caution and give us a call. At Westwood & Starwood Dental, we provide a full range of dental services to treat a range of dental emergencies.
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