A variety of things may cause aching teeth, sore jaws, and bleeding gums. Sports injuries, medication side effects, chewing hard foods, and inconsistent flossing may all result in oral pain, discomfort, or bleeding. In most cases, there isn’t much to worry about. However, in some cases, the same conditions necessitate a need to see a dentist right away. The following is a list of signs that you need emergency dental care.

Knocked out tooth: Of all the signs, having a tooth knocked out is the most obvious that you need emergency dental care. If you’re able to find the tooth, it’s recommended that you put it back in the socket or store it in milk and get to your dentist right away. The sooner you’re able to see the dentist, the more likely they’ll be able to save your tooth.

Loose tooth: In some cases, a blow to the jaw will loosen a tooth without knocking it out entirely. Such is still a reason to see your dentist for emergency care. What’s more, a forceful impact isn’t the only cause of loose tooth. Sometimes teeth become loose as a result of old injuries or infections. Either way, it’s best to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Bleeding gums: If you don’t floss your teeth more than a few times a week, it’s common for your gums to bleed when you do. However, if you floss regularly and afterward, your gums are bleeding and sore, you’ll want to let your dentist know. Bleeding gums are an indicator of gum disease which when left untreated causes serious oral health problems.

Oral swelling: Following oral surgery, like wisdom tooth removal, it’s common for patients’ to experience swelling of the jaw. Swelling may be a muscle’s natural response to surgery or the result of an infection. It should be noted, that whether or not you have had oral surgery, swelling and hard lumps on the jaw typically require emergency dental care.

Don’t wait for a dental emergency to happen before learning what to do. The next time you see your dentist, be sure to ask them about the emergency services they provide and how to contact them. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above or other unusual symptoms, call your dentist right away. Even if it’s after business hours, call your dentist, answering machines often have instructions for receiving emergency dental care.