February 9 is National Toothache Day! While it may seem like a weird reason to celebrate, it is actually all about raising awareness. That’s because when you have a toothache, it could be a lot more serious than you think. Read on for three common instances when you’ll want to get right to the dentist.
- Bleeding or Receding Gums
- Abscess
- Trauma
Bloody or receding gums, often accompanied by pain and sensitivity, is not something you want to ignore. Often times, these symptoms are a sign of gum disease. In its early stages, gingivitis can be treated and even reversed. However, if it’s allowed to advance, you make have a bigger problem on your hands. Advanced gum disease can lead to issues like infection and tooth loss.
An abscess, or infection, is another red alert to get to the dentist. An abscess is an infection that can occur within the tooth or in the gums and is generally accompanied by a lot of pain and discomfort. There’s no curing an abscess without treatment, so you have no choice but to head to the dentist to get rid of it. If you don’t take care of the problem, the infection can spread and even become life-threatening.
If you experience any type of trauma to a tooth or teeth, it’s important to get to the dentist to have it checked out. Sometimes, it takes days or even weeks to realize the effects of a hit to the face. So, even if you aren’t in immediate pain or discomfort, it’s a great idea to get Dr. LaChance’s professional opinion.
Emergency Visits in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Here at Greenway Dental, we make ourselves available for last-minute or emergency needs with same-day visits. Make sure you have our phone number programmed into your phone so that you can reach us whenever you need us!