Does something not feel right in your mouth? Perhaps you woke up this morning with a new toothache, or noticed more blood than usual whilst you were brushing your teeth? Don’t ignore these warning signs; they’re your body letting you know that it’s time to book a dentist appointment.
Whether it’s a straightforward issue or a symptom of a more serious condition, paying attention to the signals from your mouth is the best way to keep your smile healthy, so stay alert and spot the warning signs early with our guide.
Signs that it’s time to book a dentist appointment
Oral health issues can crop up at any time, and the sooner they are assessed by a dentist the better.
Even if it’s only been a few weeks since your last appointment, here is a list of common warning signs that something is wrong. Take a look, and don’t ignore them, as they may get worse very quickly.
Toothache
There are many different types of toothache, some of which are less severe and more easily managed than others. If you experience a dull ache that comes and goes, and is made better by painkillers, then it’s advisable to make an appointment to see your dentist within the next two weeks.
However, if your toothache:
- Makes it hard for you to bite down
- Keeps you up at night in constant pain
- Does not improve with the use of painkillers
Then you will need to see a dentist as soon as possible to find out what’s causing the pain and to have the underlying issues treated before they worsen.
Sensitive teeth
Some sensitivity in the teeth is to be expected, especially during the winter months.
As the cold air hits our teeth the under layer of the tooth structure, called dentine, is exposed to the chill through any thin, cracked, or eroded enamel. This heightened sensitivity to the freezing temperatures can cause pain, but if your discomfort:
- Significantly worsens when you eat or drink something cold
- Makes it hard to brush your teeth
- Comes out of nowhere, even whilst indoors
Or you think it has been caused by an excessively cracked or damaged tooth, then this could be a symptom of something more severe. Sensitivity in general should also not last more than a few weeks, even during the winter, so reach out to your dentist today for advice on how to protect your enamel over the coming months.
Bleeding gums
This is another very common issue, and one that is easily spotted whilst brushing your teeth. However, bleeding gums is usually a warning sign of gum disease, so it is vital that you don’t ignore it.
If your gums have begun to bleed, then be on the lookout for:
- Any redness or irritation
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
And speak to your dentist to find out how advanced your gum disease is, as (if it is caught early enough) this issue can be treated with at-home care and regular dental appointments.
When to schedule an emergency appointment
Whilst scheduling checkups as recommended by your dentist will go a long way in protecting your oral health, there are some conditions that require urgent care to alleviate their impact and prevent them from worsening.
If you’re ever faced with any of the following issues, book an emergency appointment with your local dentist as soon as possible, or dial 111 for out of hours treatment.
Cracked teeth
Don’t be alarmed if years of absentmindedly grinding your teeth has left them with tiny cracks on the surface.
You won’t need to call the emergency dentist over these imperceptible cracks; you will, however, have to contact them quickly if:
- The crack is deep and runs below the gumline
- The tooth has split in two, or a piece has been chipped away
- The tooth is extremely sensitive or painful
Extreme pain may mean that the crack has reached the root or even the nerve, but even if the crack isn’t causing you pain it’s vital that you have it seen to before it can worsen.
Sores or swelling
Cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, from the lips and cheeks to the tongue and tonsils. Thankfully, its symptoms are visible, painful, and hard to ignore, so if you ever notice the following then have them checked by an emergency dentist:
- An ulcer that does not heal after 3 weeks
- A lump or swelling that makes it hard to swallow
- Red or white patches anywhere in your mouth
It is also advisable to see a dentist if any part of your mouth or neck becomes inexplicably swollen, particularly if it causes pain and discomfort or makes it hard to breathe, as this may be a sign of infection.
Dislodged teeth
This final condition is easily the simplest one on this list to spot, because let’s be honest – if your tooth gets knocked out, then you’ll definitely know about it!
Once a tooth has been dislodged, a dentist must be called immediately, and the tooth should be put back by a specialist within the hour. If the tooth is still fully intact after the accident, then it’s advisable to put it back into the gum and hold it in place until you get to the emergency dentist, although you should only attempt this if you still have the whole tooth. Never try to reinsert a broken or damaged root; instead, focus on keeping the gum clean and controlling any bleeding.
Book a private dentist appointment
Don’t leave it too long to book your next dentist appointment.
If you have noticed any of the warning signs touched on in this article, or if it has been more than a year since your last check up, then now is the time to reach out to Riverside Dental Spa.
Click here to arrange an appointment, or call 020 7091 0677 for emergency dental care within 24 hours.
About the Author
