If you are suffering from painful, swollen gums you know that something is not right in your mouth, but whether or not you need to seek the attention of a Baltimore dentist immediately can be confusing. One clear situation in which you definitely need emergency treatment is if the swollen area contains an abscess.
An abscess is a fluid filled pocket, much like a blister, except that it is in your mouth. This is particularly concerning, however, because it is likely to be infected. An infection of the mouth, if left untreated, can actually be life threatening due to the speed in which it can spread into the blood. You should seek treatment by a dentist as soon as you notice this type of condition.
Another time that you should seek the help of a dentist is if your swollen and painful gums are a result of a broken or chipped tooth. As you read above, the reason that your gums are swollen could be due to a serious infection. When your teeth suffer trauma it makes it easier for germs to invade areas that were once protected. A dentist can fix the problem as well as clean your mouth so that the infection is stopped before it becomes worse.
Other situations in which you should seek emergency care are when there are additional symptoms to the swelling of gums. Extreme swelling or pain are a sign that something serious is occurring. You should also go in if you have a fever, or just do not feel well. It is a sign that there is infection. Finally, if the swelling is causing your tooth to feel loose, you definitely need to get to a dentist as soon as you can.
These are the most common signs that you need the help of a dentist in order for the condition to be remedied. Many times people hope that the problem will go away for it to just get worse. The sooner that you get the right care, the better off you will be in the long run. There really is no reason to suffer for longer than you have to, and in some cases you may be even putting your life at risk.
If you experience any of the symptoms above, or are merely concerned that something is not right, you should see a dentist immediately.