As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.
Keeping your teeth young
When Should You See an Emergency Dentist Versus Waiting for an Appointment
Mabel Hicks
No health concern should be ignored, especially if you suspect it's an emergency, and problems with your teeth, jaw, and gums are no exception. However, it's not unusual for someone to wait to see the dentist until their next routine appointment, even if they have severe pain or other symptoms of a dental emergency; they may simply not like visiting the dentist or may not realize that something is urgent and can't wait. If you're the type to avoid visiting the dentist no matter what, note a few times when you should see an emergency dentist versus waiting for your next appointment.
Mouth can't open
Even if your family teases that they're happy you can't open your mouth, you don't want to ignore this problem. Lockjaw can often be a sign of a serious health concern, such as tetanus or another infection. You may have also fractured your jaw or popped the joint out of place during an impact or accident and may not realize the extent of your injury. If your jaw is just sore and you can move it around and lessen the stiffness with massage, you may have just been in a poor sleeping position and not have a true emergency; however, if your mouth is actually locked into place or you feel shooting pains when you try to open it, see an emergency dentist.
Loose tooth
You don't need to have a tooth knocked out to need an emergency dental appointment. If you notice that a tooth is actually loose or you feel it moving around when you eat, it's good to have this addressed as soon as possible. A loose tooth can mean a lack of support for surrounding teeth and allowing germs and bacteria to build up under the loose tooth. This build up can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and the like. A dentist can use a splint to keep that tooth in place until the roots get strong again, or you may need the tooth extracted if it's been damaged.
Impact
If you've suffered a jaw impact, meaning you've hit your jaw during a car accident or have been hit with a baseball, or have been in a fight, you want to see an emergency dentist. As said above, you may not realize the extent of an injury; an emergency dentist can take x-rays of your teeth and ensure the tooth roots were not damaged and also x-ray your jaw to look for hairline fractures, chipped bones, and other damage that may not be readily apparent.
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