5 Strange Dental Emergencies

When you picture a dental emergency, you might envision a knocked-out or broken tooth; however, they can take a variety of forms. Believe it or not, some dental emergencies can seem like a scene from a movie. If you find yourself facing an unusual oral health situation, don’t worry, your dentist has seen it all. Here are 5 of the strangest oral health situations that have been reported.

1. A Sprouting Problem

When you look in your mouth, the last thing you expect to see is a plant sprouting from your mouth. Although it may sound like an impossible situation, it’s more common than you might realize. One dentist who was performing a root canal found tiny plants growing in a patient’s gum tissue. It turns out the patient had eaten tomato seeds that became trapped in the tissue and began to grow from the gums.

2. Mouth Full of Maggots

There is a report of a small child who was experiencing dental pain and swelling, so the parents took him to the dentist. Upon examination, the dentist looked in his mouth and found a maggot infestation hiding in the child’s inflamed gums.

3. Super Glue Disaster

If a crown falls off or your denture breaks, you might want to think twice before reaching for the super glue. A woman attempted to glue her dental crown back onto her tooth; however, she ended up gluing her teeth together. She even had glue on the roof of her mouth and throat. If a restoration or oral appliance breaks, it’s best to leave the repairs to the professionals.

4. At-Home Palate Repair

No one wants to be caught off guard by an unplanned dental bill. As a result, it’s common for patients to turn to DIY remedies to fix certain issues. One man found a hole in his palate and tried to correct the problem on his own by stuffing tissue inside of the hole and changing the dressing weekly. Despite having the best intentions, it led to a horrendous infection.

5. Bridging the Gap

Poor oral hygiene habits can create tartar buildup, which is known to cause gum disease, but that isn’t the only concern. If the accumulation is significant, a calculus bridge can form. In some cases, it can be the only thing holding the teeth in place. When a patient or dentist attempts to remove the buildup, it can cause several teeth to fall out at once.

Protect Your Smile

Although you can’t always avoid dental emergencies, there are several things you can do to lower your risk of one. Your best line of defense is maintaining your oral hygiene at home. If you develop any dental issues, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist right away.

About Dr. Prachi D. Shah

Dr. Shah earned her dental degree at the New York University College of Dentistry and has completed advanced training in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. She regularly continues her training to offer specialty services to her patients. If you’re ready to benefit from the best, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.