Dr.

Steven Navel’s

DENTAL HEALTH
The Common Sense Guide to Dental Health Information

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 INDEX

Understanding Toothaches .......................................................................... 3

Causes Of Toothaches ................................................................................... 4
Natural Toothache Remedies ...................................................................... 5
Stopping Pain Of Toothaches ...................................................................... 7
Cavities ............................................................................................................... 9
Tooth Decay .....................................................................................................10
Getting Over Your Fear Of Dentist ...........................................................12
Understanding Dental Pain .........................................................................14
Fillings ................................................................................................................15
Root Canals ......................................................................................................17
Dreaded Root Canal ......................................................................................18
Gingivitis And Periodontal ...........................................................................20
Dry Socket ........................................................................................................22
Types Of Dental Teeth Fractures ..............................................................23
Dental Extractions..........................................................................................25
Dealing With Infections ................................................................................27
Pulling Your Own Teeth ................................................................................29
Basics Of Brushing .........................................................................................31
Flossing ..............................................................................................................32
Abscessed Teeth .............................................................................................35
Wisdom Teeth..................................................................................................36
Sensitive Teeth ...............................................................................................37
Dental Emergencies.......................................................................................39

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Understanding Toothaches

As we all know, toothaches are the result of several different

factors. The pain that stems from a toothache is always
apparent, normally in the form of throbbing. The pain will
normally intensify as time goes by, when you eat, lay down, or
drink hot/cold liquids. Toothaches are very painful, and it may
seem that no matter what you do - it seems to hurt more.

In the dental world, toothaches can include such things as

cavities, infections or abscess in the teeth or gums, debris that
has been trapped between the teeth and gums, and trauma to
the face, teeth, or the jaw. Sometimes, toothaches can result
from medical conditions and have nothing to do with dental. In
most cases, if the problem goes without being checked, it can
lead to serious trouble and maybe even become a life threatening
situation.

Normally, when you have a toothache, you’ll experience

tremendous pain. The pain will stem from the affected tooth or
the jaw, and you’ll know it almost immediately. It will start out
to be a throbbing pain, and then continue to get worse and worse
until you get it treated. If you wait too long and allow the
infection to spread throughout the tooth, you’ll end up having to
get it pulled or cut out.

Anytime you start to experience a toothache, you shouldn’t

hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist to have it
checked. Sometimes, getting an appointment when your tooth
starts hurting is easier said than done. Even though you may be
able to use certain products to stop the pain, the pain will always
come back until you get the problem fixed. A toothache will
always come back, until you get the tooth taken care of.

If you visit your dentist in time and he catches the problem early,
he may be able to save your tooth. Normally, this will result in a
filling, crown, or root canal, although you won’t have to have the

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tooth removed. Dentists always look to save teeth, as they don’t
like to remove a tooth unless they absolutely have to. If the
tooth has become abscessed, the dentist will put you on
antibiotics such as penicillin until the infection has subsided
enough to remove the tooth.

Throughout our lives, most of us will experience the pain and

agony of a toothache at some point. A toothache can be the
worst pain you have ever felt in your life, especially if you are
feeling the pain of an abscess. If you’ve never had a toothache,
you should consider yourself lucky. Those who have had
toothaches though, will tell you that the pain is something you
never want to experience - it will make you feel as if your whole
world is falling apart.

Causes Of Toothaches

When it comes to toothaches, there are many different things

that can cause a toothache. A toothache can come at any given
time, even though you may not expect it. The pain can be
unbearable at times, and you’ll do practically anything you can to
make the pain stop. When a toothache first comes on, many of
us start to wonder what caused it to happen.

Some of the main causes of toothaches include decay, a fracture

in the teeth, and cavities. A crack in the tooth is also a cause,
although it can be difficult to diagnose, as cracks will normally
appear to be invisible to the naked eye and x-rays. Cracks can
make your tooth feel as if it is exploding, as they expose the
dentin and nerves to the air and anything else you put in your
mouth. If you don’t get them fixed, they will get worse, possibly
leading to your tooth breaking off at the gums.

Pulp irritation is another cause of toothaches, as it occurs after

dental treatment. No matter how well you’re filling or crown was
done, the materials that were used to fix the tooth can end up
causing pain later on down the road. There really is nothing you

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can do, as crowns can sometimes come off or the filling can
sometimes come out. If this happens, all you can really do is go
back to the dentist to get the problem fixed.

If you have an exposed root or nerve, it can also be the cause of

your toothache. This normally happens due to rough brushing,
receding the gums and exposing the root. If the root is exposed,
the air or liquid you drink can trigger a toothache. To prevent
this from happening, use care when you brush and never try to
tear your gums apart thinking it will get your teeth cleaner.

If you use tobacco products, you’ll more than likely get

toothaches on a frequent basis. Chewing tobacco is a common
contributor to toothaches and tooth pain, as the tobacco will eat
away at your teeth until there is nothing left. It doesn’t take long
for it to happen either, especially if you have been chewing for a
long time. Smoking can trigger toothaches as well, as the smoke
is bad for your teeth and eats away at them as well.

Even though there are many causes to toothaches, there are

things you can do to stop and pain and prevent toothaches. You
should always brush your teeth on a daily basis, and go to the
dentist for your regular checkups. If you get a toothache you
should always go to the dentist and get the tooth fixed. The
dentist may be able to catch it early enough to save the tooth -
which will prevent you from having to get it pulled and save you a
lot of money - and pain in the long run.

Natural Toothache Remedies

Not many people are aware of the fact that several herbs can be
used in the relief of toothache pain. Natural herbs such as
cloves, calendula, tarragon, and yarrow can be used to help
relieve the pain until you can get to the dentist. For many years,
different cultures have counted on herbs to help get the pain of a
toothache control and get temporary relief.

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Native Americans for example, used the inner bark found in the
butternut tree to their gums to get relief from toothaches. The
butternut tree is found in North America, and is also the cousin of
the black walnut tree. Butternut trees are found along rivers in
well drained soil, rich woods, and even in back yards. Once the
tree matures, it can reach heights of up to 60 feet, with the bark
being light grey in color, and the leaves and the fruit resembling
the black walnut tree. The bark of the tree can be applied to the
gums, helping to alleviate toothache pain.

Yarrow on the other hand, can be found in Asia, Europe, and

North America. It normally grows wild in meadows, fields, and in
open wood lands. The root of yarrow is what contains the
anesthetic effect. If you apply the fresh root of yarrow to your
tooth or gums, it will help to stop the pain - until you can get an
appointment with the dentist and get it taken care of.

The herb known as clove is an evergreen tree, native to tropical

areas. These days however, it can be found throughout the
world. As many already know, the dried flower bud of clove is
what contains the medicine. The oil from clove, when used on a
toothache, will help to stop the pain almost immediately. If you
compare cloves to other natural toothache remedies, you’ll find
clove to be the best.

For many years, natural herbs have been used to stop toothache
pain. Hundreds of years ago, herbs were the only way to stop
the pain. Dentists were just starting to come around, although
they didn’t have near the equipment and sophistication that they
have these days. Even though teeth were pulled during these
times, it normally happened with alcohol to numb the pain then
pliers to remove the tooth.

Throughout the course of time, herbs have proven to be very

effective with stopping toothache pain. If you are interested in
herbs or have any questions about them, you shouldn’t hesitate
to ask your dentist his opinion. Dentists know herbs, and should
be able to recommend natural remedies to you if you request

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them. The next time you experience the pain of a toothache -
you should always remember that herbs are a great way to
relieve the pain.

Stopping The Pain Of Toothaches

Everyone out there at some point in time will experience the pain
of a toothache. Toothaches are very excruciating, some of the
worst pain you will ever feel in your life. Even though you may
have had dental work in the past and follow proper hygiene,
toothaches can happen at anytime. Although it can be very
painful, there are ways to get relief through natural herbal
remedies or pharmaceuticals.

If you plan to use herbs, you should use them in tincture form, as
the alcohol content will disinfect the area, and help to reduce the
inflammation and kill the infection. Once you have the tincture,
you should use roughly a teaspoon of it and gently rinse your
mouth out. Once you have helped it in your mouth a minute or
so, you should either swallow it or spit it out. Tinctures are
natural remedies that use herbs and alcohol to massage the
affected area and stop the pain by numbing the nerves of the
tooth that is causing you so much pain.

The best way to deal with toothache is to put out the fire. If you
manage to put the fire out, the pain will follow. Even though the
pain may go away, the problem will still be there until you go to
the dentist and get it treated. Although the dentist is the
preferred way to go, you may have to wait on an appointment, or
the toothache may occur on a weekend or a time when the
dentist isn’t available.

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Your best advice is to seek dental care ASAP, as the infection can
always return at any given time. If you don’t get problems fixed
as soon as you can, they can spread and cause you more
problems with your teeth. Cavities will need to be filled, while
the rotten or dying teeth will need to be extracted. If caught in
time, the dentist can normally save the tooth via root canal.

The most common way to stop the pain of a toothache is by using

a pharmaceutical such as Ambesol. With these types of
toothache relief products, you simply rub the ointment on the
affected area and it will kill the pain. These products work
quickly, although they may not be able to help if the infection has
spread or has gotten so bad that the tooth is literally dying.

Another way to stop the pain is to use Tylenol or aspirin. If you

are going this route, you should use tablets that dissolve. Simply
take the tablet and put it in your mouth, then use your tongue to
hold it against your tooth. The aspirin or Tylenol will start to
dissolve, and work its way into your nerve and stop the pain.
This is a very effective way to stop the pain; although once the
pill dissolves it can leave a terrible taste in your mouth.

The best way to stop the pain is to visit the dentist and have it
treated once and for all. Keep in mind that if the problem is an
infection, you’ll need to use antibiotics until the infection is gone.
Once the infection is gone, the dentist will be able to proceed with
treatment. Most toothaches are the result of a cavity, which will
need to be filled. Anytime you start to experience a toothache
you should get it treated. If you aren’t able to make it to the
dentist, simply get some Ambesol or other product that will give
you relief from the pain until you can get to the dentist and get
the problem taken care of.

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All About Cavities

Cavities can best be described as tooth decay. As we all know,

tooth decay is influenced by what we eat, how we take care of
our teeth, and the amount of fluoride in our toothpastes. If your
family has a history of tooth disease or teeth problems, then you
may inherit it that way. This is very common, as many people
inherit tooth problems that have been passed down from
generation to generation.

Adults who suffer from a dry mouth are more at risk for cavities,
as they have a lack of saliva in their mouth. Dry mouth is very
common, and is normally the result of medications, illness, and
radiation treatment. Tobacco users will also suffer from dry
mouth, as the tobacco will use up the saliva in the mouth and
leave the user with nothing to keep his or her mouth moist.

Cavities are a very serious situation, and if left untreated, can

result in the destruction of the tooth. This can also destroy the
nerves as well, resulting in an abscess. An abscess is very
serious, as it infects the root tip. If left untreated, an abscess
can result in death. Although you may not realize it, cavities are
a very serious matter that can quickly spread to something even
more serious.

If you visit your dentist on a regular basis, he will check for

cavities. Without visiting the dentist, it is impossible to tell
whether or not you have a cavity. Most cavities develop below
the gums, and you won’t be able to see them. If the cavity exists
in the tooth, you will be able to see it, as it will change the color
of the affected area. If you notice a color change or a blackened
area in your tooth, you should make an appointment with your
dentist immediately.

What you eat is a big contributor to cavities. If you eat a lot of

sweets or drink a lot of soda, you will be at a higher risk for
cavities. Foods that are rich in sugar or starch are eaten by

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bacteria found in plaque, which will produce acids that eat
through teeth. This acid is very harmful to teeth, as it can eat
through the dentin and enamel in no time at all. If you don’t do
something about it, the acid will continue to eat at the tooth until
there is nothing left to say - leaving you no choice but to get the
tooth extracted.

Over time, the tooth enamel will start to break down beneath the
surface of your tooth, even though the surface will appear to be
fine. Once the acid has managed to eat away enough of the
enamel below the surface, the surface will collapse, which results
in a cavity. After this has happened, if you don’t get it treated,
the tooth will continue to be eaten and the cavity will continue to
spread until all of the tooth has been eaten, after which the
enamel will be gone and your root will be exposed - which can be
very painful.

Cavities will more than likely develop in the pits of chewing areas
around the back teeth, between your teeth, or near the gum line.
No matter where they occur, the easiest way to spot them is to
visit your dentist. Your dentist will be able to do x-rays and find
out just how bad they are and tell you what options you have. If
you visit him in time, he will be able to save the tooth and stop
the cavity before it spreads throughout your tooth.

All About Tooth Decay

In order for tooth decay to be developed in a tooth, that tooth

must have acid producing bacteria around it, along with food for
the bacteria to feed upon. Teeth that are susceptible to decay
will have little to no fluoride in the enamel to fight the plaque.
Fluoride can destroy decay, although it won’t be able to do much
once the decay has started to eat the teeth.

Poor hygiene habits will allow the plaque and tartar to build up
around teeth and speed up the process of decay. Even though
your mouth has a lot of bacteria that is always present, only one

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type will generate the acid that results in tooth decay. Some
people have active decay that is always present in their mouths.
Parents with active decay can easily pass the decay on to a child
or loved one through eating, drinking from the same glass, or
even kissing.

Once the decay has settled in the tooth’s enamel, it will progress
very slowly. Once it has made it through to the second layer of
the enamel, it will spread faster as it heads towards the pulp.
The pulp is a vital area of the tooth, as it contains the nerves and
blood supply. This is where the pain will be the most intense, as
the decay will start to eat at the nerves.

Although decay can take 2 - 3 years to get through the enamel, it

can make it from the dentin to the pulp in less than a year. Once
it makes it to the dentin, the decay can destroy most of the tooth
structure in a matter of weeks - or months. The most
preventable type of tooth decay, known as smooth decay, also
grows the slowest. It starts out as a white spot in the tooth,
where the bacteria dissolve the enamel. Smooth decay is very
common with those 20 - 30 years of age.

Pit or fissure decay is a bit more serious, forming along the

narrow grooves in the chewing side of the molars. It progresses
more rapidly, and can eat your teeth a lot faster than smooth
decay. Due to the grooves being so narrow, it can be hard to
clean them with regular bushing. Even though you may brush on
a regular basis, this type of decay is hard to prevent without
going to the dentist for your regular checkups and cleaning.

The last type of decay, known as root decay, begins on the

surface of the root. Root decay is common with middle aged
individuals. It is normally the result of dry mouth, a lot of sugar,
or not taking care of your teeth. Root decay is the most difficult
to prevent, and the most serious type of tooth decay. It can eat
teeth fast, leaving you no choice but to get the affected teeth
removed.

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Tooth decay is no laughing matter, and should always be treated
before it has time to spread and affect more of your teeth. If you
visit your dentist for your regular checkups and cleaning, you can
normally prevent it from starting. You should always brush on a
daily basis, and use mouthwash such as Scope or Listerine to kill
bacteria. Bacteria are always present in your mouth, although
you can use mouthwash to kill it. If you take care of your teeth
and follow the advice of your dentist, you can normally prevent
tooth decay before it has a chance to eat at your teeth.

Getting Over Your Fear Of The Dentist

Dental anxiety or fearing the dentist is a problem that many

people have, and something that is somewhat difficult to
overcome. This fear normally prevents rational people from
visiting the dentist and maintaining the health of their teeth. The
key to keeping your teeth healthy is to prevent problems before
they start. Those who suffer from dental anxiety will try to avoid
going to the dentist, which results in problems.

When someone who suffers from dental anxiety finally goes to

the dentist, they normally find that even the smallest of problems
can turn serious and require a lot of work and intervention from
the dentist. Even though you may not realize it, a regular
cleaning visit to your dentist is the best way to keep your teeth
healthy, and prevent problems such as decay and cavities.

You can use several techniques to overcome dental anxiety.

Some of the techniques require mild sedatives, also referred to as
sedation. Sedation is a way to relax, given by breathing or IV
(Intra Vein) through a vein in your arm. Sedation will help you to

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calm down, although you will normally be awake to answer
questions or talk to your dentist.

Some people who suffer from dental anxiety have had bad
experiences. Any type of negative dental experience will
normally result in emotional scarring and last for years. Anything
that results in negative feelings for the patient will normally cause
them to feel in a negative way toward the entire dental
profession. Although all dentists aren’t bad - a negative
experience will certainly make a patient feel that way.

When you look fora dentist, you should always ask your family
and friends who they use, and who they recommend. When you
visit a dentist, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask him any questions
that come to mind, so you can be more relaxed. You should
always keep in mind that you are customer, and the dentist is the
one who needs to make you feel relaxed. Never should you feel
intimidated, as the best dentists will do everything they can to
establish a sense of trust.

Establishing trust is very important with the patient/dentist

relationship. You’ll be going to your dentist on a frequent basis,
so you’ll want to be sure that you can trust him. When you go to
your dentist for the first time, you should let him know about
your dental anxiety. If he isn’t willing to talk about it with you or
do things to help you relax, you should look into a new dentist.

You can always tell who the better dentists are by the type of
facilities they have. Dentists, who have a lot of customers or nice
offices, have established themselves and proved that they are
indeed the best. If a dentist has a lot of customers, it lets you
know that he has them for a reason. People that are satisfied
with a dentist, normally return.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you should always let your
dentist know in advance. This way, he works with you to
overcome your fear. Over time, you’ll find that you can
overcome your fear and establish a great relationship with your

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dentist. You can get over your fear of dentists, no matter how
bad your fear may be. It will take you some time, although your
dentist should be willing to work with you. Before you know it,
you’ll be over your fear and more than willing to go to your
dentist.

Understanding Dental Pain

Pain has always been a major issue with dentistry. The fear of
pain in dentistry is so high in fact, that many people fail to go to
the dentist until their condition becomes so severe that they have
no other choice than to see a dentist. A majority of individuals
are terrified of the dental chair, although once they are numb,
they sometimes fall asleep. Although the numbing shots may be
a bit painful, once they are finished - there is literally no more
pain.

Most often, people will concentrate on the thought of getting the

shot, which will only magnify the pain. Something that normally
doesn’t hurt can get a lot worse simply by thinking in your mind
that it will be painful. In most cases, the numbing shots will work
very well with one or two applications. If you are already in pain
when you visit the dentist, the shots will put your mind at ease
and stop the pain almost immediately.

If you have a tremendous fear of dental pain and simply cannot

stand the thought of getting a shot, then you may be interested
in laughing gas or IV sedation. Either of the two can help you
relax before you the dentist apply numbing shots. IV sedation
can either be conscious or put you out totally. Normally, IV
sedation is preferred during wisdom teeth removal, as most
people don’t want to hear the grinding and snapping of the teeth.
It works through your veins, as the anesthesia is inserted into
your arm through a vein.

If you have chosen either laughing gas or an IV sedation, your

dentist will administer either of the two before he gives you shots
or goes any further. Once the medicine has taken effect, you

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normally won’t feel anything or remember it. Laughing gas and
IV sedation can put your mind at ease, so you won’t be
uncomfortable during your surgery or extractions.

Although dental pain is something that many fear, it isn’t near as

bad as they may think. Most of the fear stems from not knowing,
or thinking that it will hurt more than it actually does. The worst
part of dental work is the numbing shots, which actually don’t
hurt all that bad. Once you have been numbed, you’ll find that
the pain will be gone. Dental pain isn’t near as bad you may hear
or think - which is why you shouldn’t fear it.

If you need dental work or if you are having a bad toothache, you
shouldn’t hesitate to get to the dentist. The dentist will explain
everything he is going to do in your treatment, and ask you about
other forms of sedation or medicine. Even though you’ll feel the
shots, the rest of the procedures you won’t feel at all.

A Look At Fillings

Fillings are very common with dental work, as they present a way
to repair a tooth that has suffered from decay or a cavity back to
its original shape. When performing a filling, the dentist will
remove the decayed area of the tooth, clean around it, and then
fill in the area that he has removed with a special material that
will cater to the shape and form of the tooth.

Fillings work by closing out the area where the bacteria enters
into teeth, helping to prevent any type of decay in the future.
The materials used for fillings include porcelain, gold, composite
resin, and amalgam. There is really no best type of filling, as

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several factors come into play. Your reaction to different
material, the shape of the tooth, extent of repair, and where the
filling is needed will be determining factors as to what material is
used with your filling.

The gold fillings that are used are made in a laboratory, and then
cemented into place by the dentist. Gold material fits well with
the gums, and can last you for many years. Gold is considered
by many to be the best, although it is also the most expensive
and will require you to visit the dentist several times before the
filling will be complete.

Silver fillings on the other hand, are less expensive than gold
materials and they can be quite resistant to wear. With their
color being dark, they are easier to notice than composite or
porcelain fillings, and aren’t recommended for visible areas of the
mouth, especially the front teeth. Composite fillings are a
common type of material, as they match the color of your teeth.
The material that makes up the composite filling is mixed then
placed directly in the cavity, where it hardens. They last several
years, although composite isn’t recommended for large cavities or
areas where they may chip.

The final type of filling is porcelain. Porcelain is very common,

and produced in lab where it will be matched to your teeth then
bonded to the affected tooth. Porcelain fillings match the color of
your teeth, and are resistant to any type of staining. The costs
for porcelain fillings can be very expensive, some costing as much
as gold fillings.

If a cavity, decay, or even a crack has managed to damage a

large area of the tooth, you may need a crown or a cap. If the
decay has managed to get to the nerve, you may end up needing
a root canal to get rid of the dead pulp. When the dentist decides
he can fill your tooth, he will remove the cavity then fill the hole
with a material listed above. Depending on your insurance and
what you can afford, you can choose which one you want or take
his recommendation. In most cases, porcelain or composite

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fillings will be recommended. Gold fillings are popular, although
most people want a filling that will match the natural color of
their teeth.

Keep in mind that only a dentist can make the decision regarding
fillings. When you visit for your routine checkup, the dentist will
look in your mouth and use instruments that will let him examine
the surfaces of your teeth. If he finds any cavities, he will usually
recommend a filling. You won’t feel anything, as he will numb
the area he is going to be filling. It normally takes less than an
hour, and you’ll be up and at ‘em before you know it. A filling is
great for cavities, as most look natural and they won’t result in
the loss of your tooth.

Information About Root Canals

A root canal is a dental procedure that all of us are familiar with.

Root canals are something we all dread, although when someone
else is getting the procedure most of us find it to be somewhat
amusing. When someone asks for a root canal on the other
hand, most of us, including dentists, find it to be very absurd to
say the least.

Although many aren’t aware of this, root canals have been

around for many generations. Many years ago, ancient
civilizations used this method to save teeth that would have been
lost otherwise. These civilizations offered root canals to those
such as queens, kings, pharaohs, and the rich. The teeth from
peasants were normally extracted then sold to aristocrats.

Many years ago, doctors believed that worms were the reason for
tooth decay. They also believed that there were many ways to
kill the worms, including rinsing the mouth in one’s own urine
both day and night. Although this is sick to say the least, this
remedy was discarded in 1728, proven to be non effective and
replaced by other more suitable treatment. As time passed,

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doctors proved that the best way to stop the pain was to clean
and remove the nerve and pulp of the tooth.

Root canals are a very common procedure these days, as they

help to save the tooth by removing the dead or dying pulp. The
pulp exists inside of the tooth, and can spread to abscess if it isn’t
taken care of. The tissue in the pulp is kept alive by the blood
vessels that come from the tip of the root and travel along the
root canal into the tooth.

Decay is the main reason for pulp in the tooth dying. Once the
decay has reached the pulp, it will keep eating away until the
pulp has died. Once it dies, the toxins from the decay will be
released into the root tip and make its way into the jawbone. If
not taken care of properly, the jawbone can become infected,
which can lead to death in rare cases.

To fix this problem, the dentist will need to perform a root canal.
During the procedure, he will numb the area then drill a hole into
the tooth. Using various tools and equipment, he will go down
inside of the tooth and scrape away the nerves and dead pulp.
This is a very effective procedure; although very time consuming
as well. In most cases, a root canal can take several hours,
although it is the only way to stop the dying pulp and save the
tooth. Even though it may take a long time - it is more than
worth it when it saves your tooth from being extracted.

The Dreaded Root Canal

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Sometimes, when you have a toothache, the cause is due to the
tooth being severely decayed. If the toothache is causing you
severe pain, the never on the inside of the tooth may be dying or
already dead. If this is the case, you’ll need to either have the
tooth extracted or the nerve removed from the tooth, in order to
remove the abscess. Removing the nerve will save the tooth, and
is known as a root canal.

Root canals are very common within the world of dentistry, as

they represent a known way to save the tooth from dying.
Although many people end up having their teeth extracted,
others turn to the root canal. This dental procedure isn’t
preferred by many, as it can take quite a long time, normally
around 3 - 4 hours. If the abscess is severe, it will take longer,
as the dentist will have to scrape out all of the dying pulp from
inside of the tooth.

Now days, dentists are starting to use machines to do a majority

of the scraping and probing associated with root canals. In the
past, the dentist had to do it all himself which took quite a bit of
time. Now, with the use of a machine, the dentist can drill the
hole in the tooth then let the machine to do the scraping. This
helps to cut down on the amount of time for a root canal, as well
as ensure that all of the dead or dying pulp has been removed
efficiently.

The cost for a root canal may also be something that people fear
worse than the actual procedure itself. Root canals can cost
around $800 to over $1,000 dollars, which makes it something
that many can’t afford. Instead of paying a high price to have a
root canal, most choose to pay a smaller price and simply have
the tooth extracted.

The choice you need to make when thinking about a root canal is
whether or not you wish to save the dying tooth. Sometimes, a
dentist will recommend the root canal, especially if he thinks it
would be in your best interest to save the tooth. Other times, he

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will let you make the decision, and decide if you want to save it
or just go ahead and have it extracted.

Although the root canal is a procedure that many fear, it is also a

procedure that can save the life of your tooth. If you have a
dying tooth, you should consider this procedure. It isn’t really
that painful, as you’ll be numb the entire time. The only thing
that’s really frustrating is the time it takes to complete the root
canal. Even though it may be time consuming - it is still an
efficient way to save the life of your tooth.

A Look At Gingivitis And Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is a serious condition that

will normally result in tooth loss. With adults, gingivitis and
periodontal disease are the most common forms of gum disease.
To prevent both types of gum disease, you should always brush
your teeth and remove as much plaque as possible. If you allow
the plaque to build up, gum disease will normally be the result.

Gingivitis is known as inflammation in the tissues of the gums. If

plaque and tartar build up along the gum line, the gums will
eventually get swollen and irritated. Over time, the gums will get
very tender and start to appear puffy. When you brush your
teeth, you’ll notice that your gums have become very sore and
they will start to bleed with little to no pressure. If you notice
blood when brushing, chances are you have gingivitis. Anytime
you brush your teeth or floss, there shouldn’t be any sign of
blood.

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During this stage of gingivitis, there is no loss of bone structure.
You can help to prevent gingivitis though, through flossing and
brushing a few times a day. If you have gingivitis and you don’t
do something about it, it could lead to periodontal disease. Those
who don’t treat gingivitis or those who keep poor oral hygiene
habits, will normally end up with periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a condition in which the bone and

surrounding structures are destroyed. Even though this form of
mouth disease cannot be reversed, you can put a stop to it’s
progression by going to your dentist on a regular basis and
brushing your teeth a few times day. Periodontal disease is a
serious condition, which is why you should always try to stop the
progression or even better - never let your gums and teeth get
this bad.

If you don’t do something about the progression of periodontal

disease, the condition will continue to get worse. During the early
stages of the disease, you’ll notice that your gums appear to be
bright red and very sore. This is due to the plaque building up
below the gum line. When left untreated, the plaque and tartar
that is below the gums will continue to eat at the teeth.

Keep in mind that plaque doesn’t need to be visible or detected in

order for periodontal disease to be diagnosed. To determine if
you have periodontal disease, you’ll need to have your dentist
examine you on a regular basis. Your dentist can perform tests
on your gums and your teeth, to determine if you have it. If you
do have periodontal disease, your dentist can tell you how to stop
the progression and prevent things from getting any worse than
they already are.

Both periodontal disease and gingivitis aren’t normally painful and

both tend to progress in a slow fashion. Although you may not
be aware that you have either of the two at first, the symptoms
and signs will start to show in the later stages. Once the later
stages have started to progress, you’ll normally end up losing the
tooth.

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To be on the safe side and protect your teeth and your gums, you
should always go to the dentist for your regular checkups and
cleaning. If you catch it in time, your dentist will be able to help
you treat the earlier stages of gum disease. You don’t want to
wait until it is too late, as the more advanced stages of gum
disease can completely destroy your teeth and gums - and there
will be little to nothing that you can do about it.

The Dry Socket

Even though they aren’t life threatening like bleeding or

abscesses, dry sockets can be extremely painful. They are very
common following surgery, and happen to be one of the most
painful post extraction problems. Dry sockets are more common
with removal of the lower teeth than they are with removal of
upper teeth. No matter what type of extraction you have
performed, a dry socket can occur with any type.

Although there is really no way to prevent a dry socket, you can

help to reduce the risk by following your after surgery directions.
Even though you may be following the directly precisely, you
could still end up with a dry socket. They are known as a quirk of
nature, and will make you feel like you are on your death bed -
although you really aren’t. Those who are more at risk to dry
sockets include those who smoke following extractions, and those
who like to grind their teeth frequently.

A dry socket is a condition where the blood clot that forms after
an extraction detaches itself from the socket walls. Sometimes,
the clot will dissolve, leaving the bone exposed to food, the
weather, and even saliva. Once the bone is exposed, it can
become inflamed. The inflammation that occurs is very painful,
often times being a deep pain that makes you feel as if you are
dying.

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If you leave it alone, the dry socket will heal. It will normally
take around a month or so, although the pain won’t let up during
the healing period. If you have a dry socket, you’ll find that
antibiotics and even the strongest of prescription drug won’t cure
it. An antibiotic will normally cure infections, although a dry
socket isn’t considered to be an infection.

The best way to fight a dry socket is to go back to your dentist

and have him pack the socket. Packing the socket is done
without any anesthesia and can be quite painful. It doesn’t take
long to complete, and it can provide relief from the pain. Once
you have a dry socket, you won’t care about anything but
stopping the pain. The pain can be so intense at times that you
will be willing to do anything to stop the pain - even for a few
minutes.

Once the socket has been packed, you will be relived from pain
for a day or so. If you go back to your dentist, he will remove
the old packing, wash the socket out, and place a new packing in.
This way, you can get relief from the pain and help the socket
heal. Keep in mind that it will take time to heal - and the best
way to stop the pain is to do your best to avoid a dry socket at all
costs.

Types Of Dental Teeth Fractures

Fractures are a common thing in the world of dentistry. Fractures

or cracks occur with all ages, although they are more present in
those above the age of 25. They can be very painful, hard to

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diagnose, yet sometimes easy to treat. There are several types
of fractures, which we will look at below.

The first type of crack is known as an oblique supragingival

fracture. This fracture is found above the gums, and normally
happens when you bite down too hard on something. Normally,
this fracture doesn’t involve the nerve. Once the fractured area
of the tooth breaks off, the pain will go away. Although the
exposed dentin may cause you some pain, you can visit the
dentist and have it repaired. If the fracture is large, you may
need to have a crown placed on the tooth to prevent further
fractures from occurring in that tooth.

The second type of crack exceeds way below the gum line, and is
known as an oblique subgingival fracture. Once the fractured
piece of tooth breaks off, it normally remains attached to the
gums and cause result in terrible pain until you get it removed.
Once you have had the piece of tooth removed from the gums,
the tooth will be similar to the supragingival fracture. It normally
doesn’t affect the nerves, although as a result of the tooth area
being lost, you may need to have a root canal to clean out the
tooth before having a crown put on it.

The seriousness of this fracture depends on how far it has gone

beyond the gum line. If it has made its way deep into the gum
line, you may not be able to save the tooth. The crack can be
present for many years, before you start to feel any pain. To be
on the safe side, you should go to your regular checkups with
your dentist, as he can check for cracks and other problems.

The oblique root fracture is next, although it doesn’t involve the

tooth crown at all. This type of fracture is almost always found
below the gums, normally under the bone. If a root fracture is
found near the crown of the tooth, it will normally prove to be
fatal. Sometimes, you can save the tooth with a root canal, even
though it is normally lost later on due to an abscess of the bone
that surrounds the fracture.

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The last type of fracture is the most difficult to deal with. Vertical
apical root fractures occur with the tip of the root, and can cause
you severe to intense pain, even if you’ve had the nerve removed
with a root canal. Even though the nerve may not be present,
vertical apical root fractures cause a lot of pain, which occurs in
the tooth.

Normally, vertical apical fractures will cause you more pain than
any other type of fracture. The resulting pain comes from the
fragments putting pressure on the bone, causing the fractured
pieces to strain. Just about the only way to get relief from this
type of fracture is to get a root canal, as it will ease the pain and
get the dead pulp out of the tooth that’s affected with the
fracture.

Even though fractures are very common and very painful, you
should never put off going to the dentist. Fractures can become
more and more serious if you don’t do something about them,
which is why you should never hesitate to go to the dentist. Your
dentist will be able to diagnose the problem, and fix it before it
has the chance to get any worse.

Dental Extractions

Dental extractions are among the easiest and best ways to get
relief from a toothache. As the name implies, an extraction
involves removing the tooth. If your pulp has died or the tooth
has become severely infected, extraction may be your only route.
Depending on the tooth, the dentist can do either a simple
extraction or a more complicated extraction.

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Simple extractions

These types of extractions, the simple extractions, are the most

common in the world of dentistry. During a simple extraction,
the dentist will remove the tooth by loosening the gums around
the socket. He will grasp the tooth with forceps and move it from
side to side until he can get it to break free from the socket and
remove it.

The teeth are held to the bone by a thin piece of soft tissue. This
soft tissue is known as the periodontal ligament. The dentist
uses this tissue to remove the tooth. As you may know, the key
to removing a tooth by pulling is to rock the tooth from side to
side, which enlarges the socket in the bone and breaks the
ligament that helps to hold the tooth in place.

Simple extractions, also known as pulling, don’t take long to

complete. The dentist will numb you before he starts, so you
won’t feel anything. Depending on the tooth, pulling it will
normally take just a few minutes after you have been numbed
with local anesthesia. Once completed, the dentist will place
gauze in your mouth to bite on and you will be free to go.

Complex extractions

As we all know, not all teeth can be pulled. Sometimes, the tooth
will be so decayed or broken off that the dentist will have nothing
to grasp above the gum line. In cases such as this, the dentist
will need to perform a more complicated extraction, which
involves getting the tooth out below the gum line, as he won’t be
able to use the standard method of pulling and rocking.

These types of extractions involve the dentist making an incision

in the gums around the tooth, and raising the flap he cut to
expose the bone. Once he has exposed the bone, there may be
enough of the tooth exposed for the dentist to grab and remove it
using the pulling method. In most cases however, the tooth will

26
be embedded in the bone, meaning that the dentist will be unable
to pull the tooth out.

With teeth that are imbedded in the bone, the dentist will need to
use a drill and chip away at the bone to get to the tooth. This is
known as cutting the tooth out, and happens to be very common
with impacted teeth or teeth that are severely decayed. Once the
dentist has cut his way to the tooth and removed it, he will sew
back the flap of skin that he cut to get to the tooth. The flap of
skin and the socket will heal over time - providing you take care
of it.

Dental extractions are very common, and happen on a daily basis

for dentists. Oral surgeons are the best for extractions, as
extractions are all they do. All types of extractions, even the
most complex, will take time to heal. As long as you take care of
your extraction site, you’ll avoid common pitfalls such as dry
sockets and other mishaps. Although they can be painful once
the procedure is over - you’ll eventually start to feel a lot better
once you have had the tooth or teeth removed.

Dealing With Infections

Once a tooth has been extracted, bacteria will still be alive in the
mouth, even more so with those who have bad oral hygiene.
Infections are very common following extractions. Depending on
how bad the tooth was that the dentist removed, he may
prescribe you some antibiotics to take that will greatly reduce
your risk of getting an infection. In some cases though, even
antibiotics can’t prevent an infection.

If you go to the dentist before the extraction experienced swelling

of the face, swollen gums, pain in your teeth under light
pressure, or bleeding around the extraction site, then you may
already have an infection. If you indeed have an infection before
you get the tooth treated, the dentist will prescribe you
antibiotics to use following treatment. If you have a really bad

27
abscess, you’ll need to use antibiotics to treat the infection before
the dentist will remove the tooth.

In some cases, people develop an infection after the extraction,

even though they may not have been infected beforehand. The
reason for this is bacteria. Following an extraction, bacteria will
be more alive in the mouth than ever before. With the extraction
site being exposed, the bacteria will be able to get into the site.
This can lead to an infection due to the site being exposed and
the fact that you are unable to use mouthwash or brush during
the first 24 - 48 hours. Not being able to sterilize your mouth
means that you are unable to kills the germs responsible for
bacteria.

After extractions, the first sign of infection is renewed bleeding.

This normally occurs around 48 hours after the extraction. Even
though it normally isn’t severe, you should still call your dentist
and make an appointment to be seen. Your dentist will be able to
stop the bleeding and give you some antibiotics and other
prescriptions that will fix the problem.

Some dentists prefer to give patients antibiotics before they will

do any type of extraction. Although you may not have an
abscess, most dentists prefer to get rid of the infection before
they start doing their work. They do this because they know the
local anesthesia won’t work all that good with infections, and it
may take them a lot of work and a lot of medicine to numb the
area that you have the infection in.

In the event that the tooth has to be removed and the dentist
simply cannot wait a few days, it is possible to get you numbed.
Although it will take quite a bit of medicine to numb the area, it
can be done. Sometimes, dentists will choose to use an IV
sedation or laughing gas, in the event that local numbing doesn’t
help. An IV sedation will normally put you to sleep or knock you
out, so that the dentist can remove the tooth that is causing you
so much trouble.

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Even though infections can cause a lot of pain and need to be
dealt with immediately, you may not have to take antibiotics once
the dentist has extracted the tooth. If your mouth is clean and
you don’t have a lot of germs, you can normally heal the wound
by taking care of it. Rinsing your mouth out with salt water for
the first few days will keep the extraction site clean. As long as
you take care of the extraction site and do what your dentist tells
you, you shouldn’t have any further problems with the extraction
site or the infection.

Pulling Your Own Teeth

Even though it may sound very odd and downright compelling, a

lot of people actually try to extract their own teeth. Toothache
pain can be very painful and very frustrating, making you try
anything to get relief. Depending on how bad the pain is, you’ll
be more than willing to do just about anything you can to get the
pain to stop. Abscesses or really bad cavities are among the
worst, as the pain never seems to let up - no matter what you
do.

In the old days, teeth were extracted by pliers, as there were no

dentists around. During these times, people would get drunk on
alcohol and then the teeth would be extracted. There was no
such thing as anesthesia back then, so it was impossible to locally
numb the pain. These days though, local anesthesia is the best
way to numb a toothache before pulling the tooth. If you attempt
to pull a tooth yourself, you’ll feel the pain no matter what you
do.

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There are situations however, in which you can pull your own
teeth. Baby teeth for example, are acceptable to pull. Before
you yank it out though, you should check on the age of when the
tooth in question should be removed. If you wiggle the tooth
around and it appears to be loose, then chances are it will come
out without a problem. On the other hand, if you pull the tooth
and it turns out to be an abscess, you’ll end up with a real
problem and your hands and you’ll need to visit a dentist as soon
as you can.

Another situation in which it is acceptable to pull your own teeth

is when you have a severe case of gum disease. Gum disease
can cause the socket and the bone to become extremely decayed,
which will result in the destruction of the tooth. If the gum
disease is severe enough, the tooth will be extremely loose and
will come out without a problem. In some cases, the tooth can
be almost unbearable to the touch. If you have gum disease and
notice a loose tooth, you should be careful when pulling it. If you
don’t do it properly or if you do it too soon, you could end up
breaking the top of the tooth. If this happens, you’ll need to go
to the dentist to have the remaining portion of the tooth cut out.

Even though a tooth may feel loose when you touch it, doesn’t
always mean that you can grab a pair of pliers and rip it out.
Teeth are very delicate. If you try to rip a tooth out with pair of
pliers and make a mistake, you should end up doing more harm
than good. Putting pliers in your mouth can also lead to an
infection, which would send you to the dentist. Abscesses on the
other hand, should never be dealt with on your own - you’ll need
to go to a dentist to have him properly extract the tooth and give
you some antibiotics to stop the infection.

To be on the safe side and avoid any potential problems that

could easily arise, you should always go to the dentist if you have
a toothache. No matter how bad the pain may be, you should
never attempt to pull the tooth yourself. Your dentist can numb
the area before he pulls the tooth, so you’ll feel no pain at all. He
will also prescribe you some pain medicine and antibiotics as well,

30
to help treat any infection you may have. If you attempt to pull
the tooth yourself, you’ll only cause more problems in the end -
and end up going to a dentist anyway.

The Basics Of Brushing

Brushing and flossing are something we all learn at an early age.

The proper way to brush your teeth takes less than 2 minutes,
although many people tend to spend much longer, or much less.
Most adults tend to spend less than a minute, which isn’t enough
time to clean your teeth. To get the right amount of time
brushing, you should try using a stopwatch while you brush.

When you brush your teeth, you should avoid using pressure but
instead use short, gentle strokes. You should focus on hard to
reach places, and make sure that you get the areas between your
teeth as well. You should also make sure you get eating surfaces
as well, along with your upper and lower gums. If you focus on
all areas of your mouth, you’ll get everything when you brush.

Along with using the proper brushing techniques, you will also
need to use the right toothpaste as well. There are a variety of
toothpastes available, designed to help you with a variety of
different conditions. You can get toothpaste that will prevent
toothaches, stop sensitivity, and prevent things such as tartar
and gingivitis. Toothpaste is the best way to protect your teeth;
therefore you should always ask your dentist what type of
toothpaste he recommends for you.

To get the most out of brushing, you’ll need to have a good

toothbrush. There are many different models to choose from,
which can make it extremely difficult to choose one. When you
make your choice, you should look for brushes that have soft
bristles. Soft bristles are easy on your gums, and they will
remove plaque and other debris from your teeth. A small head is
also preferred, as it can easily reach hard to get places, such as
your back teeth.

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You should also remember to replace your brush every couple of
months, or when it starts to show signs of wear. If you’ve had a
cold you should replace your toothbrush, simply because the
bristles can contain germs that could get you sick all over again.
Toothbrushes that show wear should always be replaced, as they
can have an impact on your gums. If the bristles start to get
worn down, they can tear away at your gums, leading to
sensitivity.

To get the most from your brushing, you should always use a bit
of common sense and ask your dentist for his recommendations.
Brushing your teeth will help keep them healthy, and prevent the
buildup of plaque and tartar. Keep in mind that brushing does
help your teeth, although you still need to go to your dentist for
regular checkups. If you take care of your teeth and brush them
on a regular basis - you will keep them free of infections and
cavities.

A Look At Flossing

Along with brushing your teeth, you should also be flossing on a

daily basis. Flossing will remove plaque and debris in areas that
your toothbrush isn’t able to reach. A buildup of plaque can lead
to gum disease or tooth decay, which is why flossing is very
important. If you floss immediately after brushing, you’ll notice
that your gums and teeth will be much healthier.

When you look at dental floss, you’ll notice there are two types -
nylon and single filament. You can get nylon either waxed or un-
waxed, in several different flavors. Nylon floss is made up of
several strands of nylon material, meaning that it can shred, tear,
or snag between the teeth if it gets caught on sharp teeth. Even
though the single filament floss is more expensive than nylon, it
will slide easily between teeth, even tight areas and spaces.
Unlike nylon, single filament is impossible to shred or tear.

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No matter which type of floss you choose, as long you floss
regularly, it will remove debris from your teeth and gums. If
you’ve never tried flossing before, you will probably be amazed at
just how much debris and food particles it can remove. Flossing
is recommended by dentists everywhere, as it can reach places
that even the smallest of toothbrushes can’t. Food and debris will
build up between your teeth, which makes dental flossing very
important.

The main problem many people have against flossing is the fact
that it can result in bleeding of the gums. Anytime you floss and
get between your teeth and around your gums, the floss will rub
against your gums, resulting in bleeding. Many people take this
the wrong way, and immediately stop flossing, usually for good.
Bleeding is very common, and should be expected with flossing.

When you brush your teeth, you miss a lot of food particles and
debris that continues to build up in your mouth. No toothbrush is
designed to get every area of your mouth, as all of them miss
hard to reach places. With the areas missed by the toothbrush,
the debris and plaque will continue to build up until they
eventually result in a cavity or decay. To get this debris and
plaque before it builds up into something more serious, you’ll
need to floss.

If you’ve been afraid to try flossing due to the bleeding, you

should really get over that fear and floss after you brush. To
keep your teeth and gums healthy, you’ll to brush and floss your
teeth. Regular checkups with your dentist will help as well,
although it is up to you to continue your regular maintenance at
home with flossing and brushing. If you floss on a daily basis -
you’ll quickly realize just how clean your teeth and gums will be.

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34
Abscessed Teeth

An abscess in the tooth refers to an infection that was caused by

a pocket of pus residing in the tissue around the tooth.
Abscesses are very serious conditions, and can lead to serious
matters if they aren’t treated immediately. When the pulp of a
tooth dies due to damage or decay, bacteria will begin to grow
from the dead tissue that is left. These bacteria will eventually
spread from the root of the dead tooth into the tissue that is
below and create a pocket of pus - the abscess.

Gum disease is also a cause for a tooth becoming abscessed. A

gum disease causes the gums to pull back and away from teeth,
leaving pockets behind. When one of the pockets becomes
blocked, the bacteria can grow and spread, or get backed up.
When this happens, an abscess will start to form under the
surface of the gums and become apparent will swelling as it gets
bigger and spreads.

Once the infection has started to spread, your jawbone may start
to dissolve as it makes room for the swelling in the area that has
been infected. Once the bone starts to dissolve, the pressure will
be greatly reduced, although the infection will still be there. Even
though you will get relief, the infection will get worse - and the
pain will always come back. Once more of the bone has been
dissolved, there will be nothing left to support the tooth, meaning
that it will become loose and end up needing to be extracted.

The symptoms of an abscessed tooth are easy to see, as they

include severe pain in the affected area, red or swollen gums, and
a bad taste in your mouth, swelling around the area or the jaw,
and possibly a high fever. Pain is excruciating with an abscess,
normally affecting the area in a bad way. No matter what you
do, the pain seems to intensify.

Abscesses mostly occur with back teeth, although they can

happen in the front as well. Once your tooth has become

35
abscessed, your dentist won’t immediately pull it. If a tooth that
has abscessed is extracted once the infection is still present, it
can quickly spread. Your dentist will instead prescribe you some
antibiotics that can help to destroy the bacteria.

The dentist can also perform a root canal, in an attempt to

remove dead or decayed tissue. Last but not least, he can also
drill a hole in the tooth to give the infection a chance to drain and
try to remove any dead pulp. The most common treatment with
an abscess is to use antibiotics to kill the infection, and then get
the tooth removed. You should never let it get that bad - as an
abscess is something that can destroy your jawbone.

A Close Look At Wisdom Teeth

Also known as the third set of molars, the wisdom teeth are the
last set of teeth in the mouth to erupt, which normally happens
around the ages of 17 - 25. For many years, there has been a lot
of controversy as to the need to remove these teeth. If the teeth
don’t cause any harm or pain, they are normally fine to stay in
place. If they present a bad position or cause you a lot of pain or
discomfort, they will need to be removed.

When the wisdom teeth first come in, they will sometimes be
impacted. Impacted teeth will normally need to be extracted.
Sometimes they can be pulled, although in most cases they need
to be cut out by a qualified surgeon. When the time comes to
have your wisdom teeth extracted, you’ll need to go to an oral
surgeon and have a consultation first.

During the consultation, you’ll take a few x-rays that will let the
surgeon know how bad your wisdom teeth are. He will go over
the results with you, take a look in your mouth, and then tell you
what options you have. If he is going to pull or cut out your
teeth, you’ll have the option of using local anesthesia or going
with an IV sedation. An IV sedation is the preferred way to have
wisdom teeth extracted, as you’ll be so relaxed you won’t know

36
what is going on. If you decide to just use local anesthesia,
which is numbing, you’ll be fully aware of the procedure. You’ll
also hear the popping and cracking involved, which can make you
feel quite uncomfortable.

Depending on the shape, size, and the formation of the wisdom

teeth, the removal process can vary from easy to hard. If the
root tips have managed to wrap themselves around the bone, the
removal process can be very time consuming and quite painful.
Once the extractions have been completed, there is normally little
to no swelling involved. Your dentist will prescribe you some pain
medicine, which you should use as soon as you arrive home. If
you are going to use IV sedation, you’ll need to someone to
accompany you, as you won’t be able to drive home.

After the removal of your wisdom teeth, your dentist will go over
what you need to do to ensure the proper healing of your gums
and mouth. Normally, he will give you information to go over, to
make sure that you experience no problems in the healing
process. Someone will need to be with you for the first 24 hours,
to make sure that you ok. You won’t be able to eat certain foods
for the first 48 hours, which is to be expected. Once you get your
wisdom teeth removed through - you’ll notice a big improvement
in your mouth - and your health.

Taking Care Of Sensitive Teeth

As millions of people all around the world know, sensitive teeth

can make life in general a nightmare. Sensitive teeth come with
pain and discomfort that can make eating or drinking your
favorite foods a painful experience. Although you may suffer
from sensitive teeth, you can rest assured that they can be
treated.

Normally, this condition presents tooth pain after drinking cold

liquid, eating hot or cold foods, or breathing cold air. If the pain
becomes too much to bear, you should immediately see your

37
dentist, as the nerve of your tooth could be exposed. Normally,
sensitive teeth start when the gums begin to pull away from the
teeth. With the gums being a protective blanket, they cover and
protect the teeth’s roots. When the gums recede and pull away,
the roots have no protection, and therefore they will be exposed.

The exposed root tips contain small tubules that lead directly to
the nerves of the teeth. Whenever pressure, hot, or cold
elements travel down the tubules, it will trigger the nerves and
result in pain. Those who don’t have sensitive teeth will have
their gums covering the tubules, which prevents these types of
things from happening.

The idea here is to stop tooth sensitivity and keep the gums
healthy. If you reduce the pressure you use when brushing your
teeth, you’ll find that your gums will remain healthy. When
taught to brush their teeth, most people are instructed to use a
lot of force. While this can get the teeth clean, it will also tear at
the gums, which can lead to sensitive teeth. If you have
sensitive teeth now, you should try using an electric toothbrush
such as the Sonicare advanced.

Although you may have sensitive teeth now, there are ways you
can help to improve your gums and your teeth. There are several
toothpastes out there on the market that contain potassium
nitrate, which helps to reduce pain and discomfort associated
with sensitivity. Although there are several toothpastes to
choose from, Sensodyne is the preferred. It’s recommended by
dentists as being the best, simply because it affects the nerve of
the tooth and stops the pain where it starts.

Mouthwash can also help tooth sensitivity, providing it contains

fluoride. You can also ask your dentist which mouthwash he
recommends, as there are several to choose from. Scope is a
great brand to use, as it offers you plenty of fluoride without any
alcohol. Unlike Listerine, Scope won’t burn your mouth when you
use it. It will leave you with a clean feeling, and get your mouth
and teeth completely clean - killing millions of bacteria.

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If you start using fluoride toothpaste such as Sensodyne and
mouthwash, you’ll notice a bit improvement in your teeth and
gums. The sensitivity will begin going away, giving you almost
immediate relief. When you brush, make sure you brush gently,
and avoid using any type of force, as it will always cause your
gums to recede again.

In the event that using Sensodyne and fluoride mouthwash

doesn’t help, you should ask your dentist about other options
available to you. Your dentist will know what will help you, so
you shouldn’t hesitate to ask. Your dentist will know how to
eliminate your sensitivity once and for all, and how to prevent it
from coming back. Tooth sensitivity is something that many of
us have to deal with - although there are ways that you can fight
back and prevent the pain and discomfort associated with
sensitivity from making your life harder than it has to be.

Dental Emergencies

As we all know, toothaches and any type of oral injury can be

extremely painful and should be seen by a dentist immediately.
Dental emergencies should be seen immediately by a dentist, day
or night. These emergencies include broken teeth, teeth that
have been knocked out, or teeth that have been forced out of the
socket. With some emergencies, the cheeks, lips, or gums will
have cuts or abrasions on them from where the teeth come out of
the socket.

If you’ve had a tooth recently knocked out, the first thing you
should do is look for that tooth. When you’ve found the tooth,
gently scrub it to get rid of any dirt or debris. Once you have
cleaned it, you should place it back in your mouth between the
cheek and gums. Whatever you do, you should never try to put it
back in the socket. If you can make it to the dentist in time, he
may be able to put the tooth back in place.

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If you’ve had a tooth come out of place, you can normally
reposition it with your fingers. You shouldn’t use a lot of force,
simply because it could damage the tooth. You shouldn’t force
the tooth into place, rather try and jiggle it around. You can also
use moist tissue to hold the tooth in place, until you can get to a
dentist.

If you’ve got a fractured tooth, the treatment will all depend upon
how bad the booth has been fractured. No matter how light the
fracture may be, it is very important that you get to a dentist as
soon as you can. Minor fractures aren’t that bad, as they can
normally be smoothed out using sandpaper. Sometimes, the
tooth can also be restored with a composite. Either way, you’ll
need to make sure that you use extreme caution with the tooth
for the next few days.

The more moderate fractures normally include damage to the

dentin, pulp, and even the enamel. These fractures can be
nothing to worry about at times, yet painful with other cases.
Providing the pulp hasn’t been damaged, your dentist will be able
to restore the full shape and function to the fractured tooth. In
cases where pulp damage has occurred, the dentist may need to
do a root canal or other type of serious surgery to repair the
tooth.

Whenever you encounter a dental emergency, you shouldn’t

hesitate to contact a dentist immediately. Your dentist will be
able to assist you, fix the problem, and stop the pain. Dental
emergencies can happen at any time, so you should always the
emergency number of a dentist who will be there at a moments
notice. Tooth pain can be very excruciating - and you’ll obviously
want to get the problem fixed immediately.

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