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While you might regularly practice solid oral hygiene, a dental emergency can still happen when you least expect one. Many of them can be a result of sudden physical trauma to the face or decay/infection that simply went on too long without treatment. However, these cases may be more common compared to some of the weirdest ones you’ll ever hear about. Keep reading to learn about four of the most curious dental emergencies that have happened!
#1: Growing Vegetables
There was a patient who scheduled a checkup due to a throbbing toothache and discomfort in the gums. His dentist assesses the situation and concludes that a root canal is the best solution. They expected to see plaque and tartar during the treatment, but what they found instead was a growing plant. At some point, a tomato seed had gotten stuck in the patient’s smile and began to sprout.
#2: Put Away the Superglue
While superglue is a trusty material to fix major issues, it should never be used to address dental problems. A woman had a dental crown fall out, but instead of calling her dentist, she decided to put it back on with this heavy-duty adhesive. In addition to not working, she also ended up pasting her teeth together and spreading the glue all over her mouth and throat.
#3: Early Dental Care Keeps the Bugs Away
Although preventive dental care is essential for keeping germs and bacteria at bay, some parents don’t believe that children need to see a dentist early on. One boy who’d never had a dental appointment started complaining of intense aching in his gums, which had become severely inflamed. His parents took him to the dentist and the issue was immediately identified. The root cause of his pain was due to maggots in the gums.
#4: The Calculus Bridge
Brushing and flossing are crucial for preventing plaque and tartar buildup. If teeth are left neglected or there’s a lack of oral hygiene, then a serious accumulation known as a calculus bridge can connect the teeth and gums over time. A patient with this condition chose to brush their smile aggressively to get rid of this buildup, but this caused their teeth to fall out. This was because, after years of neglect, the calculus bridge was the only thing keeping their pearly whites in place.
If you ever notice anything unusual with your oral health, be sure to contact your dentist right away. They’ll be more than happy to provide the treatment you need to get you back on track with a healthy smile as well as avoid any strange situations!
About the Author
Dr. Giannina McBryde has been providing high-quality, comprehensive, and dedicated care for a little over two decades. She also regularly seeks continuing education to refine her skills and has attended programs in multiple countries like Peru, Brazil, and Scotland. She offers a wide range of advanced treatments, including checkups/cleanings, gum disease therapy, and emergency dentistry. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call her at 703-782-5171.