While regular dental check-ups are essential in maintaining oral health, we understand that dental emergencies can still happen at the most unexpected, and sometimes inconvenient times. Dental emergencies are very serious, and if left untreated, a dental emergency could become an infection, which not only affects your oral health, but can harm your overall health and well being.
We have emergency dentists in Melbourne, based in Ivanhoe, available to help. We help patients from all over Melbourne who are experiencing a dental emergency.
If you are experiencing any pain, bleeding, swelling or any unusual symptoms, it may be time to go to your dentist. Besides regular check-ups, it may be necessary to see a dentist due to a dental emergency. Here are 7 signs that you need to see an emergency dentist:
1. If your gums are inflamed, red or bleeding
.The most common sign of gum disease is bleeding. If you notice signs of swollen gums every time you eat or brush your teeth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
2. If you chip, crack or lose a tooth.
A loose tooth can get infected so it’s important to get it taken care of as soon as possible. If you have an adult tooth that hurts and feels loose,  it’s critical to see a dentist, as loose tooth pain could be a sign of something more serious.
3. If you notice pus in your mouth.
Pus is the first sign of infection or gum abscess, and should be addressed immediately. If this symptom is ignored, it can lead to a spread in more serious problems. Treatment for infections can include antibiotics, and may even include root therapy to prevent any further issues.
4. If you have consistent bad breath.
While bad breath may be thought to be embarrassing, if it is persistent, it could be a sign of a more serious health issue. Consistent bad breath could be a sign of a number of things, from gum disease, to a metabolic disorder. To rule out anything serious, it’s important to visit your dentist straight away.
5. If you have a consistent bad taste in your mouth.
A non-stop bad taste in your mouth that isn’t from something you ate or drank, could be a sign that something is wrong. A constant foul taste in your mouth could be the result of an abscessed or infected tooth, gingivitis, respiratory infection, or wisdom teeth erupting. Infections emit toxins from the tooth itself which is what causes the foul taste.
A metallic taste could also be side effects from medications or hormonal changes, but if you are experiencing a non-stop foul taste that doesn’t seem to be going away, keep an eye out for other signs, or book an appointment with your dentist.
6. Tooth discolouration.
While it is very common for teeth to become yellow, or discoloured over time due to consumption of coffee, tea, wine, or cigarettes, this type of discolouration isn’t a threat to oral health, and can be taken care of with a simple teeth whitening session.
But, if you notice a tooth or teeth change colour from yellow to a darkish brown or grey, it could be an indication that the pulp inside the tooth has begun to decay. This is a major sign that there is an infection. If you notice pus coming out of the tooth, it’s time for an emergency dentist visit, since ignoring this symptom could be fatal.
7. If you notice sharp pains.
Sharp pains in your tooth generally mean that something isn’t right, this is when to see a dentist for toothache. Depending on the severity of the pain, it could be anything from a cavity that has developed, or in extreme cases, an abscessed tooth. A dental pain emergency is something that should be taken seriously.If the tooth has become infected, you should seek immediate dental treatment, as the tooth may likely need to be extracted, or at the very least, the infected area may need to be cleaned and drained.
While you wait to receive emergency dental care at our emergency dental clinic in Ivanhoe, one of our dentists will be able to discuss some ways for you to provide temporary relief, or to prevent further stress. We are where to go for a toothache emergency as we provide genuine care, and want to make sure you leave our dental clinic smiling.
If you are experiencing a  dental emergency in Melbourne, call (03) 9499 9033 to see how we can help you, or book online for all other dental appointments.
