Home Remedies for Rotten Tooth

A rotten tooth is nothing but a badly decayed tooth. It can be identified as a discolored tooth with holes in it. The tooth also becomes weak and is sensitive, particularly after having consecutive hot and cold foods or drinks. The pain due to a rotten tooth is often so severe that you cannot focus on anything else. When a dental cavity is neglected for a long time, then the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth) and the dentin (the layer that lies below the enamel) are damaged extensively resulting in rotten tooth.

Causes of Rotten Tooth
There are a number of factors that can trigger decaying of teeth. They are as follows -

    * Lack of proper oral hygiene is one of the causes. When brushing of teeth is not done properly, then food debris remains stuck in between the teeth. These areas promote growth of bacteria in mouth that promote tooth decay.
    * The foods and drinks that are consumed on a regular basis play a major role in decay of teeth. Sweeteners contribute towards fast decaying of tooth. Similarly, carbonated beverages contain carbonic acid which when ingested too much can cause damage to the teeth.
    * Excessive acid levels in stomach have erosive effects on the teeth as well. Those who suffer from heartburn get eroded teeth very easily.
    * Absence of sufficient saliva in mouth can be another cause of rotten tooth. Those who are suffering from dry mouth or acidity problems are prone to rotten tooth because of inadequate amount of saliva in the mouth.

Home Remedies for Rotten Tooth
The pain due to a rotten tooth starts without any warning signal. At that point of time, you may not be in a position to visit the dentist immediately. In that case, you can try out some treatment at home to control the pain. Here are a few of them.

Gargle with Salt Water: This is a traditional remedy for rotten tooth and its results are really effective. Here, the salt disinfects your mouth and the warm water soothes the pain and inflammation. Put one teaspoon of salt into a cup of water to make the solution. Take a mouthful of the solution, gargle for 30 seconds and spit it out.

Apply Mixture of Clove and Peanut Butter: This is a unique combination that can provide relief from aching tooth. Crush a few cloves to make a coarse powder. Add some peanut butter to it and mix both the ingredients properly. Apply a generous amount of this mixture on the rotten tooth and make sure it stays there for some time.

Apply Oil of Oregano: Take one or two drops of oil of oregano on your finger tip and apply it over the rotten tooth. This will bring down the intensity of the toothache. You must continue to use oil of oregano on the rotten tooth even when there is no pain. This is because, it can prevent any further decaying of the tooth by controlling growth of pathogens in that area.

Use Wheat Grass Juice: Freshly extracted juice of wheat grass serves as an excellent mouthwash when you have a rotten tooth. It helps to get rid of the toxin build up that takes place inside the dental cavity and the surrounding gums. Thus, it helps to reduce the pain.

Use Asafoetida: You may not like the foul smell of asafoetida, but trust me, it is an excellent home remedy for a rotten tooth. If the pain is unbearable, put a pinch of asafoetida into the decayed part of the tooth. You will be surprised to experience the pain disappearing almost instantly.

Maintain Oral Hygiene: Proper brushing and flossing is important to keep your gums and teeth free from germs. Thus, you can provide the required protection to the rotting teeth. In this condition, you must brush your teeth after every meal. Daily flossing twice a day will eliminate food debris that promote growth of bacteria inside the mouth.

Stay Away from Hot and Cold Foods: Your rotten tooth is very sensitive towards hot and cold temperature. Therefore, make sure that you do not eat or drink anything which is hot or cold. It can aggravate the pain. Allow the food or drink to come to room temperature before you have it.

Avoid Sugary Foods: Any sugary component like candy, granulated sugar, honey, etc. are harmful for the rotten tooth. Tooth decay occurs when the sugary components of the foods are fermented by the bacteria present inside the mouth and acid is produced in the process that erodes the protective enamel. Hence, consumption of sugary foods should be avoided.

Finally, I would like to tell you that these home remedies for rotten tooth that have been discussed in this article are going to provide you a temporary solution to the existing dental problem. The real solution can be provided by the dentist alone and no one else. Therefore, do not delay treatment for the rotten tooth problem and consult your dentist at the earliest.

Sore Tooth After Filling

A filling is needed in those cases where the tooth has been infected or damaged due to decay and a prominent dental cavity has appeared. Ideally speaking a tooth with has been recently filled, will remain slightly sensitive for about 8 weeks. It is normal to feel tingling, and sensitivity on the tooth as well as some pain. However, not all people complain of such discomfort. But on the other hand there are many who suffer from persistent toothaches even after getting their decay removed. This condition makes it almost impossible to eat any solid and crunch foods such as crisps, chips or even red meat. To add on to the trouble is the fact that, many suffer from headaches caused by their toothache, which oftentimes causes the whole face to hurt, including the jaw and the neck. This article will discuss the probable reasons for sore tooth after filling.

Causes of Sore Tooth After Deep Filling

Protruding Filling
A filling is an artificial entity in your mouth, which is why the tooth will take its time to accept it completely. Also many a time it so happens that the filling is not properly fitted or is raised and is slightly higher than the tooth's original shape. This interferes with our normal chewing and biting action, because more pressure is being applied on the affected tooth. The reason being that the affected tooth will have the molars on the upper or the lower jaw pressing down upon the filling, when they come in direct contact with each other. If this is the case you'll need to check with the dentist, who will then grind the filling until it has receded slightly. After which, you must check, that your tooth does not hurt as much as it did before, when you clamp your jaws together.

Degenerated Tooth Pulp
The insides of the tooth, also known as the pulp gets inflamed because of tooth decay or infection. When the decay has been removed, this pulp usually heals . However sometimes the pulp continues to degenerate and gets infected, even though the original decay no longer exists. This is one of the most common causes of toothache after filling and occurs very often. This happens because the infection is still present and seeps down further into the tooth. Which is why it is causing damage to the pulp as well as other parts of the tooth. This infection may manifest itself after the filling procedure has already been completed. In this case, the dentist will need to remove the filling and try and heal the inflamed pulp.

Tooth Abscess
This is the second stage of the inflamed pulp, which seeps further down into the tooth and infects the pulp tissues. This causes abscess or pus to collect at the tissue endings or roots of the tooth. This condition causes severe pain in the jaw bone and the gums which hold the infected tooth. There are only two ways of treating an abscessed tooth, which is either through root canal treatment or through a direct extraction of the diseased tooth.

Fractured Tooth
Tooth infection if not treated on time can cause the tooth to weaken. Which is why even after a filling has been done, a hairline fracture may occur from the bottom corner of the filling. This fracture will cause pain when exposed to hot or cold temperatures of the food you consume as well as when you bite. Every time you apply pressure on the fractured tooth, the nerves will get irked and cause pain. Request your dentist to check for a possible fracture, which if diagnosed will need a root canal treatment or eventual extraction.

If after a thorough checkup, your tooth seems normal, the soreness will subside eventually. For some respite you may use clove oil as it helps numb the pain. You must remember to follow proper dental hygiene after the filling, which is why you must brush and floss everyday. Steer clear of extremely hot or cold food and beverages as these will affect the already sensitive nerves of the filled tooth. And finally remember to gargle after every meal and before sleeping, so as to keep the food from getting stuck near the filling. Now that you know what causes a sore tooth after filling you will be better prepared to seek effective and speedy treatment, if the pain doesn't subside.

Is It Possible to Reverse Tooth Decay?

Brushing is such a mundane task. Well, yes task; we don't even consider it as an important step to kick start the day. I know of a few people who don't consider brushing seriously. Brushing your teeth once is a task, then the 'twice a day brushing regimen' kicks the bucket I suppose! It is no wonder you find yourself settled with a shiver racing down your spine on the dentists chair surrounded with equipments and paraphernalia that resemble tools for reconstructing the roadways. Scary sight indeed! Nevertheless, we have to face it, we like it or not. After all brushing your teeth is a habit for which you need to push yourself n number of times! Tooth decay is one of the many troubles that may come our way when you take brushing for granted. It is then that we realize that dental care is so very important. Tooth decay occurs when the tooth structure conjures up to becoming sensitive. There are bacteria in the mouth that result in eliciting an acidic substance due to which the tooth structure survives a breakdown. Tooth decay is not a condition that strikes one day and starts affecting you from the next. It is a state that has a gradual influx and builds up as time lapses. It thrives on neglect. The food materials and bacteria get stuck, build up and form debris in the tooth.

Is It Possible to Reverse Tooth Decay?

This is indeed a million dollar question for those who are really concerned about healing their tooth and making amendments to their regimen. The situation is said to be under control until the decay has not reached the surface of the tooth. It is the surface that gets affected later. The decay has its roots in the enamel causing the decay. Once the surface breaks down, the plaque and bacteria start to gather, thus causing sensitivity towards ingesting anything which is cold or hot. Even when you open your mouth to take in a waft of fresh air, your teeth will shy away and feel extremely sensitive.

What Tooth Decay Can Lead To?

Tooth decay is a condition that should be treated as soon as possible. It is not a condition that is self treatable. You have to shake yourself a bit and get going in order to save your teeth from countering further trauma. Tooth decay, if left untreated can lead to development of holes in the affected tooth, discomfort and a lingering pain, chewing becomes tough also leading to losing of tooth. This condition may also turn fatal when there is a development of infection in the tooth in the bargain. Here are some tooth decay treatments that are natural in their demeanor and may help you reverse tooth decay.

What Can be Done to Reverse Tooth Decay?

There are certain simple ways and methods that can be followed to reverse the process of tooth decay naturally.

    * Extraction of the affected tooth can be one way in which the infection does not spread and halts completely.
    * You may use fluoride toothpaste and as far as possible also a fluoride mouthwash.
    * Use a soft bristled tooth brush that does not hurt your teeth and the gums don't start to bleed.
    * Brush at least twice a day to keep your teeth healthy and get rid of plaque. The build up of plaque can lead to cavities and caries in teeth.
    * You may also use a baby brush and lightly brush out the food particles hiding in the slim crevices of teeth. You don't need to use a toothpaste for that.
    * Maintain a proper diet that does not concentrate on the consumption of sugar.
    * Try and avoid aerated drinks when you suspect tooth decay and extreme sensitivity.
    * Also make a habit to consume water that is of room temperature. Drinking chilled water or having something that is hot can aggravate the situation.
    * Include vitamins and minerals in your diet. Have almonds and green leafy vegetables and increase the calcium content you ingest.
    * Floss your teeth after meals. This is a hygienic habit that one must follow.

With these healthy dental habits, one may not have any questions as to is it possible to reverse tooth decay. Make sure that you follow these steps thoroughly so that you do not face any troubles concerning tooth decay.

Tooth Decay And Gum Disease Are Directly Linked To Your Diet

Tooth decay and tooth loss don't occur overnight. They are the result of years of neglect and abuse by their owner. If you can't control yourself from eating foods that promote plaque buildup, you can and should expect to have dental problems throughout your life. Have you been to the dentist lately for a checkup? Are you eating a diet that supports optimum oral health?

Inside your mouth is good and bad bacteria. That bacterium thrives on sugar and carbohydrates; the more you eat of foods that are rich in those two items, the more the bacteria get to eat. A byproduct of the bacteria eating the sugar is an acidic substance that attacks your tooth enamel and your gum. That acidic byproduct is called plaque and it is the number one enemy of oral health - if left unchecked for periods of time, it will create tooth decay and gum disease.

Foods that assist in optimal oral health are foods that are low in sugars and carbohydrates. Obviously, the more you eat of those types of foods, the more likely you'll have fewer dental problems.

When people think of sugar and carbohydrates, they think of the obvious food choices that are bad for you, such as candy bars, donuts, and pastries. Truth is, those are just the obvious sugar-filled foods. There are more common, everyday foods that should also be eaten in moderation. Some of those foods are milk, breads, and grain products such as cereals. If you were a Hindu holy man, you could simply avoid all foods with high sugar and high carbohydrate content. But since we're all human, it's best to adopt a diet of simple moderation. You can eat the types of foods you want but always remember to brush your teeth after every meal.

Dentists have long preached that snacking in-between meals is bad for your oral health. The average person assumes that refers to eating sugar-filled treats such as donuts and candy bars. While those types of foods are certainly bad for your teeth, snacking in-between meals is bad for you because your mouth will only produce a minimal amount of saliva when you eat small amounts of food. Saliva is one of your natural defenses against plaque buildup.

When you eat a large meal (such as dinner or breakfast that has a variety of food types) your mouth will create a significant amount of saliva to help start the digestion process. Basically, when you eat, you want your body to produce as much saliva as possible, and that requires larger meals.

Do you know what the two most common diseases are and where they are located on the human body? This might shock you: they are located in your mouth! Tooth decay and gum disease are the most common diseases among humans. A very high percentage of the population has gum disease and doesn't even realize it because the disease doesn't cause any pain (at least in its early stages). Both diseases are the direct result of a poor diet and a poor dental care routine. To avoid these two diseases, follow a healthy diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates, and make sure you brush your teeth after every meal.

Outside of your dental health, a poor diet will diminish your immune system and weaken it. It's been proven that tooth decay and a weakened immune system are linked together; you usually have one if you have the other. In the interest of both your long term oral health and your general health, you should follow a healthy diet.

Water consumption is another important aspect of optimum oral health. If you keep your body properly hydrated, your mouth will produce adequate levels of saliva present at all times. A dehydrated body has low levels of saliva, and that will promote plaque production.

Before you make changes to your diet or your dental care routine, it's recommend that you seek the professional guidance of a licensed dentist in your area. Good luck!

Tea helps to fight cavities and a host of other diseases

Along with the common cold and gum disease, cavities are among the most common human afflictions. Studies, by research associations, have found drinking of black tea regularly reduced plaque and helped control bacteria. It was found that black tea could inhibit or suppress the growth of bacteria that promotes cavities and affect their ability to attach to tooth surfaces.

Dental plaque contains more than 300 species of bacteria that adhere to tooth surfaces and produce acid that lead to cavities. Plaque is also a leading cause of gum disease. Black tea was found to have antioxidant compounds polyphenols, which is suspected to kill or suppress cavity causing bacteria from either growing or producing acid. Tea also affected the bacterial enzymes and prevented the formation of the sticky-like material that binds plaque to teeth. It is however necessary that, to help prevent cavities the tea must truly be "black," without sugar, milk, honey or other additives.

As part of the study participants in the study rinsed with tea for 30 seconds, five times, waiting three minutes between each rinse to stimulate what people did while sipping tea. Whereas in a similar study by Goeteborg University, participants rinsed with tea for one minute 10 times per day, showed comparable results. Both studies showed that the more people rinsed, the more their plaque and bacteria levels fell.

Fluoride is another mineral found in great abundance in tea. In fact, tea is one of the very few natural sources of fluoride. Fluoride has made its mark as the most successful agent against tooth decay. Researchers looked at the impact of black tea's fluoride content on preventing cavities but found the benefits less clear as compared to polyphenols.

The polyphenols, found in tea are also found to harbor anti-cancer and anti-heart disease effects. Black tea also helps in managing gastric and intestinal disorders because of its tannins, which decrease intestinal activity and exerts an anti-diarrhea effect.

Black tea also contains theophylline. In addition to improving circulation, the theophylline in black tea helps improve cholesterol levels. It also has been known to expand the airways, making breathing easier for asthmatics. Both green and black teas also contain antioxidants known as flavenoids. Flavenoids play a critical role in protecting us from heart disease and cancer.

The benefits of this cup that cheers seems to be many fold so enjoy your tea and enjoy your health but remember no additives please!

Toothache After Filling

Your doctor may recommend you to get a filling to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. Before a filling, your dentist will first clean the tooth decay, remove the decayed tooth material and clear the affected area. The cavity is then filled with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further tooth decay. It is common to experience a bad toothache after filling. Most people experience a mild to severe toothache after filling. Sometimes your teeth can become extra sensitive after a filling. Teeth can be sensitive to air, pressure, sweet food, cold foods, or temperature after the procedure. Usually this problem of sensitive teeth and toothache after cavity filling subsides on its own within a few weeks.

Types of Toothache After Filling

Toothache Around Your Fillings: If you experience a pain around the filling, you must consult your dentist again. This maybe because the tooth filling was not done properly.

Toothache When You Bite: You may experience this type of pain when you try to bite something. You will feel the pain after the anesthesia wears off and the toothache while biting may continue for some time. If you experience immediate pain when you bite down, it could be because the filling was not shaped properly. When you bite, you put pressure on it. This usually happens when the filling is interfering with your bite, i.e. the filling is above your tooth level and touching the upper or lower teeth while you try to bite something. You must contact your dentist and have the filling reshaped.

Toothache When Your Teeth Touch: This is a distinct pain that occurs when your teeth touch each other. The pain is caused because of the touching of two different metal surfaces such as the silver amalgam in a newly filled tooth and a silver crown on another tooth. This pain usually resolves on its own within a short period of time but if it’s persistent, you must visit a dentist.

Referred Toothache: In this type of toothache after filling, you will experience pain or sensitivity in other teeth besides the one that has been filled. If you have this type of pain then probably there is nothing wrong with your tooth and the pain should go away on its own.

Constant Toothache: If the decay was very deep to the pulp of the tooth, then you might have a constant toothache, especially while eating, that will last for some weeks even after the filling. This constant toothache indicates that the tissue is no longer healthy and you may have to get a root canal treatment for curing it.

Allergic Symptoms After Filling: There might be an allergic reaction to the silver amalgam used in the filling. You will experience itching, skin rashes and other allergy symptoms in this case and the silver filling would have to be replaced with a composite filling. Allergic reactions to silver fillings are rare. The symptoms of amalgam allergy are much similar to those experienced in a skin allergy. These include skin rashes and itching. Getting the filling replaced with composite type of filling is the best solution in this case.

When Should You Consult a Dentist?
This toothache after filling usually subsides after a few weeks. A mild toothache after filling is common and you don't even need to opt for an over-the-counter pain killer. If the tooth pain doesn’t subside within two to four weeks after the filling or if your teeth have become extremely sensitive, make sure you contact your dentist. Most probably your dentist will first recommend a sensitive toothpaste or apply a desensitizing agent to the tooth for tooth pain relief. If this does not work, then a root canal treatment might be the solution to eliminate severe toothache after filling.

Toothache After Filling: Remedies
After tooth filling or any other treatment, try to avoid those things that are causing the sensitivity in your tooth. Follow the instructions of your dentist if you do not want to aggravate the toothache after filling. Here are some toothache remedies.

    * It is better to stay away from very hot or very cold beverages. Also try to refrain from smoking cigarettes.
    * You should avoid eating candy and any type of sticky items after this type of dental treatment has been performed as it will only cause further pain and may end up pulling out the filling that has just been put in your tooth.
    * After a filling, it is best to eat soft foods for sometime as specified by your dentist.
    * Avoid using the tooth that has been filled for chewing. This will ensure that you don't suffer from any unnecessary pain. Also, this will ensure that the filling does not come out.
    * It is extremely important to follow a proper dental care routine. Take extra amount of time to brush your teeth after every meal. If this is not possible, you must at least rinse your mouth with some water.
    * Clove oil is one of the most popular and effective toothache home remedies. Take a little clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it on the affected area.
    * A saltwater mouthwash is a quick remedy for toothache relief. Take a cup of lukewarm water and add little salt in it. Swish the solution in your mouth gently. This will cleanse, disinfect and provide you with instant toothache relief. This is one of the easy home remedies for toothache pain relief.

Remember a toothache after filling will subside without any special treatment within a few weeks time. However, it is best to avoid eating whatever causes you a toothache after filling.

Tooth Infection Antibiotics

A tooth infection caused by a bacteria can occur due to a number of reasons. Some of the causes include formation of cavities, damage to the enamel, gum diseases, or even an injury to the tooth. Tooth abscess is a severe form of infection that attacks the root of the tooth, causing accumulation of pus and swelling of the gum tissue.

Tooth Infection Antibiotics
Generally, a tooth infection, particularly the abscess, requires medical treatment to halt the growth of bacteria and prevent tooth decay. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to kill the bacteria and contain the spread of infection. Unfortunately, antibiotics alone cannot cure a tooth infection. However, the use of antibiotics is very important so that the bacteria does not affect other parts of the body. It has been observed that a severe infection can get to the jaw, lungs, and the brain, if timely treatment is not taken. The antibiotics that assist in beating tooth infection are as follows:

    * Amoxicillan
    * Clindamycin
    * Erythromycin (E-Mycin)
    * Metronidazole
    * Penicillin

These tooth infection antibiotics destroy the bacteria, thereby reducing the pain and discomfort. Antibiotics given for the treatment of tooth infection is available in the pill form. These oral medicines are usually taken for approximately 7 - 10 days.

Antibiotics for Wisdom Tooth Infection
People who require wisdom tooth removal surgery are advised to take antibiotics so as to clear up or weaken the infection. The surgery is often postponed until the bacterial infection is brought under control. Taking antibiotics before surgery often helps to prevent recurrence of infection after surgery. Read more on wisdom teeth removal cost.

As mentioned earlier, one cannot completely depend upon the medicines to cure or stop the spread of infection. An effective form of treatment for tooth infection involves the use of antibiotics accompanied by tooth extraction or root canal treatment as recommended by the doctor. Painkillers can also be taken to reduce the pain experienced.

Read more on dental care and dental health.

Side Effects of Antibiotics for Tooth Infection
Although antibiotics play a major role to subside pain and stop bacterial growth, these medicines can bring about a few health problems too. However, serious side effects caused by these oral medications are rare, some of which are given below:

    * Liver damage
    * Diarrhea that lasts for several days
    * Allergic reaction

In most cases, people taking antibiotics to treat tooth infections suffer from mild effects which are temporary and not a cause of worry. Usually, medical treatment is not necessary as the side effects given below go away on their own. During the course of treatment, intake of yogurt will certainly help to minimize these side effects.

    * Stomach upset
    * Bad taste in the mouth
    * Vaginal yeast infection

Read more on antibiotics side effects.

A point to note is that these tooth infection antibiotics should not be stopped suddenly without consulting a dentist. Inform the doctor of the side effects if any. He may advice to reduce the dose or prescribe some other medicines. To prevent recurrent bacterial infections, one may have to take antibiotics (for a short period), even after the infection has cleared up. Tooth infection antibiotics, no doubt are effective, but when used in combination with other forms of treatment. In order to prevent tooth infections, practicing oral hygiene is essential. People are under the wrong impression that brushing twice a day is sufficient to keep teeth healthy. Flossing is equally important, but unfortunately many people under estimate the necessity of this practice. Regular flossing can prevent formation of cavities, thereby keeping tooth infections at bay.

Cavity Symptoms

Dental cavity is nothing but a hole that damages the structure of the tooth. These holes are also known as caries or even simply cavities. Tooth cavity symptoms are very common and is the second most common disorder affecting human beings after the common cold. Dental cavity symptoms must not be overlooked, because these cavities are an important cause of tooth loss in younger people. Read more on tooth decay.

Causes of Dental Cavities

Cavity formation symptoms don't arise out of thin air. These symptoms of tooth cavities are the after effects that are visible to us. However, to avoid them we need to understand what are the factors that lead to their formation.

Bacteria: Normally, bacteria are present in the mouth to convert the sugars and starch ingested into acids. The food debris, bacteria, acid and saliva together combine to form a substance called plaque in the mouth. Plaque is quite sticky and adheres itself to the teeth, especially on the grooved surfaces of back molars and at the edges of teeth fillings. Plaque accumulate within 20 minutes after eating, which is the time when most bacterial activity starts. If it's not regularly removed from the teeth, the plaque mineralizes into tartar or calculus. Moreover, as more food is consumed, more plaque is formed, conducing to more tartar, thereby forming a vicious cycle. Together plaque and calculus irritate gums and conduce to gingivitis and periodontitis. Read more on periodontal diseases.

Dietary Sugars and Starches: The type of carbohydrate consumed and the time and frequency of ingestion are factors related to tooth cavities. Consuming sticky food items that get stuck on the surface of the tooth, thus are more harmful than non-sticky ones. Snacking frequently increases the time of contact between acids and the tooth surface, which also assists cavity formation. Read more on dental care.

Acids: When the plaque adheres to the tooth surface, the acids present in it dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth. If the plaque is left on the tooth, this acids gradually corrodes the tooth and damages the internal structures of the tooth. Read more on dental health.

Tooth Cavity Symptoms

Now that we know what causes tooth cavities, let us move ahead and learn about the symptoms of a cavity, so that we know when to rush to a dentist. In the initial stages of cavity formation, there is no pain or tooth cavity symptoms. You will not even realize that there is a cavity growing by the day and damaging the internal structures of the tooth. Only regular visits to the dentist will help you identify and nip of the problem at the bud. Nevertheless, when you do begin developing the below mentioned symptoms, you know it's high time to rush to the dentist's clinic. The different tooth cavity symptoms are:

    * Tooth sensitivity
    * Tooth ache
    * Pain while biting
    * Visible pits or holes in the teeth
    * Pus around the teeth
    * Mild or severe pain while eating or drinking something cold, hot or sweet

Besides these above mentioned tooth cavity symptoms, if one experiences unexplained bad breath, bleeding gums, bad taste in the mouth, red, tender, swollen gums, etc. one should rush to the dentist. The extent of damage and its location will conduce to different symptoms. Neglected cavities conduce to damage in the internal structures of the dentin and pulp portions of the tooth, thereby, causing the blood vessels and nerves in the tooth to die. Further neglect can conduce to tooth abscess. Tooth, once destroyed does not regenerate, however, the cavity progression can be inhibited by treatment. Filling the cavity, crown placement and root canal treatment help preserve the tooth and save it.

Read more on:

    * Toothache After Filling
    * Home Remedies for Toothache Pain Relief

These was all about tooth cavity symptoms. Visiting the dentist regularly and having the teeth cleaned is mandatory for everybody. Do not wait till your tooth hurts or till the pain is unbearable (as some people do!) before visiting the dentist. It is best to have the teeth checked and fill all the cavities before serious damage is done. Good brushing, healthy food and regular checkups will help keep your teeth in good health.

Cavity Filling Cost

Cavity filling is also known as dental caries, which is actually a bacterial disease that damages the hard structure of the tooth. Dental caries can also be related with tooth decay. The tissues of teeth gradually start to break down and cause dental cavity, that is holes in the teeth. There is a simple solution to solve this problem, and that is 'cavity filling'. The procedure of cavity filling is the main factor that decides the cavity filling cost. Read on cavity symptoms.

Cavity Filling

If you are wondering about how much does a cavity filling cost then you must get to know what is cavity filling. Cavity filling is actually a complex procedure and its effectiveness depends on the skill of the dentist. It is a two step process that is done in one single visit to the dentist clinic. The dental fillings are performed by mixtures that are either of metal or such other solid substances. There are a few popular sorts of cavity filling materials. Different types of cavity filling materials do affect the cost of cavity filling.

Cavity filling materials include, dental amalgams (made from silver-tin-copper alloy powder and liquid mercury), composite resin (powdered glass and plastic resin), resin ionomer cement (glass and resin polymer and organic acid that hardens with the exposure of a blue light), glass ionomer cement (glass and inorganic acid), porcelain which is also called as ceramic filling (glass-like material formed into fillings), porcelain fused to metal (glass-like material that is enameled on the top of metal shells), nickel or cobalt-chrome alloys (Mixtures of nickel and chromium) and gold alloy (gold-colored mixture of gold, copper, and other metals), etc.

These are a few best and popularly used types of dental fillings that play very active role in distinction of cavity filling cost. Cavity filling is a step by step procedure that begins with detecting the cavity and then cleaning the cavity, adding cavity liners and bases and then filling the tooth with the desired cavity filling material. For detailed information, read on cavity filling procedure.

Cavity Filling Cost

The typical dental cavity filling cost largely depends upon several basic things and the most important is the area and location of cavity filling. If a small part of the tooth is to be filled then the cavity filling cost will definitely be lesser than filling a whole tooth and several more. Hence, the dentist will count the cost of cavity filling by the number of tooth surface that is to be filled per tooth. Silver amalgam, that is generally preferred by the people, can cost you average $75 to $ 150 for one or two teeth. The average cavity filling cost for three and more teeth with silver amalgam can reach up to $120 to $ 300 and more.

The resin filling that is actually the tooth colored filling used to fill the dental cavity can cost up to $90 to $250. and its average cost for three and more teeth can reach up to $150 to $300 and more. There is no need to worry as the regular dental insurance covers the cavity filling cost that is done using the silver amalgam. It must be remembered that only 50% to 80% cavity filling cost is covered by the regular medical insurance for the cosmetic fillings and cavity fillings that are costly due their appearance. Interestingly, cost of gold filling is ten times higher than the silver amalgam, it can cost you $900 to $3000. So, it's decided then, the average cost of a cavity filling will always be more than $75.

Things to Consider

    * The type of cavity filling material will be decided by the the dentist, after he examines the size of the dental cavity and the location of the tooth. The initial tooth examination and x-rays can cost up to $20 to $125 (depending on the dentist's regular fee structure)
    * The amalgam filling can last for at least a year and composite dental filling can last for about 5 to 7 years. There were a few health related issues about the mercury that was present in the silver filling, but the USFDA has given it a green signal.

Read more on:

    * Dental Care
    * Dental Health

Cavity filling cost can be reduced if there are any special offers at your nearest dental clinic. So, keeping an eye on such special offers can really be helpful for those who are worried about the cost of cavity filling. On this note, I conclude this article about cavity filling cost. The best way to reduce the cavity filling cost is to take proper care of the teeth and not let the cavity to get formed. What say?

Cavity Filling Procedure

Dental cavities are nothing but holes that damage the internal structure of the teeth. These holes or caries should not be overlooked as they can conduce to tooth loss in people. Cavities formed by tooth decay needed to be filled in order to restore them to their formal glory! Well, not former glory, but at least normal function and shape. It was Dr. G.V. Black in 1875, who first described an organized approach to dental cavities treatment. His method involved the process of removing the decayed portions of the tooth. It also included extending tooth preparation to include certain groves and surfaces, so as to protect the tooth from further decay. The cavity filling procedure described by Dr. Black are still used today, especially in the case of amalgam fillings.

Procedure for Filling a Cavity

Cavity Detection
The dentist uses an instrument called explorer to probe the surface of the tooth for cavities. If the tooth has any damaged areas, the explorer will 'catch' it and then the tooth is said to have a cavity. Dentists also use visual examinations to detect cavities, which means by observing brown or black regions in the teeth, he knows there is a cavity. Dental X-rays help locate cavities present between the teeth or under the gum line, which are nearly impossible to detect visually. Read more on dental care.

Cavity Severity
If the cavity has not spread to the dentin or undergone cavitation, they do not need to be treated and can be healed or re-mineralized by fluoride. However, there are cases where the cavity has broken through the enamel and that needs treatment. The dentist will give you an appointment to get the cavity filling procedure done.

Cavity Drilling and Cleaning
During a cavity filling procedure, the dentist's aim is to remove the decayed tooth material and rebuild the missing tooth structure with a filling material. Depending on the severity of the cavity, the dentist may or may not begin by injecting a local anesthetic to numb that particular portion of the mouth. The dentist then cleans out the cavity with the help of a high speed dental drill. Once all the decayed portion has been drilled out, the tooth is ready to be filled. Read more on dental health.

Cavity Filling Selection
Fillings close off places for bacteria to enter, thereby preventing further decay. The type of filling required will depend in the extent of repair needed to be done to the teeth. It will also depend on the allergies a person has towards certain materials and also the cavity filling cost. There are four types of fillings: gold, amalgam (silver), composite (tooth colored fillings) resins and porcelain fillings. The type of tooth preparation will vary with the kind of filling used.

Liners and Bases
The dentist will place a liner, such as Dycal inside the tooth cavity to reduce sensitivity. In fact some liners are used to stimulate regeneration of the tooth pulp. For deep fillings, a base is placed in addition to the liner, so as to insulate the tooth from temperature changes conducing to pain. Glass ionomer cement and zinc phosphate cement are common bases used under dental fillings.

Tooth Filling
Once all the above necessary decisions have been made, depending on the severity, a liner is placed into the drilled cavity. If the base is required it is also placed and then the chosen filling material is layered on top of it. This process completes the rebuilding of the tooth. If the filling has been built up too high, a second appointment is needed to shave it down, thereby bringing it to a comfortable level.

Read more on:

    * Toothache After Filling
    * Home Remedies for Toothache Pain Relief

The minute the dentist talks about the cavity filling procedure, we immediately think of the cavity filling painful moments associated with it. Scores of people dread getting a check up done due to the fear of pain. The best solution for such people is regular checkups. Freshly formed cavities do show any cavity symptoms like pain, swelling, etc. as at the earlier stages only the enamel is damaged. It is only when the cavity eats its way into the dentin and reaches the nerve endings that any pain is felt. The cavity filling procedure done in the earlier stages of cavity formation is painless. So do get your teeth regularly cleaned by the dentist to avoid a root canal treatment. Keep Smiling!

Tooth Pain Causes

Almost every adult has felt the harrowing pangs of tooth pain, at least once in their lifetime. The handful of people who have not experienced it, have already made a mental note of the excruciating pain by observing it befall on their near and dear ones. Scores of people dread paying a visit to the dentist, even if they have a tooth ache and procrastinate the checkup. The reason behind this avoidance is the amplified pain associated with the visit. We all know about how excruciating tooth pain can get, however, do we know what causes tooth pain. Let's have a look at the different tooth pain causes in detail.

Causes of Tooth Pain

Tooth Decay (Dental Caries)
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or dental cavities, is one of the most common causes of tooth pain. A tooth gets decayed by the action of harmful acids secreted by bacteria present in the mouth. Food consumed comprises sugars and starches, which when left on the teeth forms plaque. The bacteria in the oral cavity thrive on the plaque and produce acids that erode tooth enamel. As the erosion progresses, a cavity is formed. The onset of tooth cavity formation cannot be identified, except by regular checkups with the dentist. By the time, symptoms of tooth pain emerge, the damage done to the tooth is quite large. One can even experience toothache after filling. Read more on tooth decay.

Gum Diseases
Periodontal disease or gum disease is a condition, in which gums get inflamed and gradually affect the bone supporting the tooth. The main cause of this condition is poor dental hygiene. Plaque accumulation on the teeth, contains bacteria. These bacteria release toxins, thereby damaging the gums. If this gum damage is not treated, tooth loss can occur. A skilled periodontist will ask for a tissue regeneration technique, if the bone surrounding the tooth has been destroyed. This procedure involves bone grafting, so as to enhance bone re-growth. He may even ask the patient to undergo gum surgery to treat the condition. Read more on periodontal disease: causes, symptoms and treatment.

Tooth Root Sensitivities
The roots of the teeth hold the entire tooth structure and are situated in the bone. Gum diseases, if left untreated, will conduce to root sensitivity. This is because the toxins released by the bacteria edge their ways into the tooth enamel, causing the roots to get exposed. These exposed roots contribute to tooth root sensitivities. Consumption of cold, hot and sour foods can cause the teeth to feel really tender and raw. Treatment for tooth pain caused by this recession of gums can be handled by fluoride gels in the initial stages and root canal treatment in the later stages. One can also resort to various home remedies for tooth pain relief.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Temporomandibular joint is the joint formed between the mandible (lower jaw) and the skull. Conditions like facial injury, teeth grinding - bruxism, arthritis, etc., can lead to inflammation of the joint. The muscles surrounding this joint undergo spasms and make simple tasks like opening of the mouth very difficult. The patient experiences pain in the jaws, ears and teeth as well. Thus, TMJ is another cause of tooth pain. The pain caused by this condition can be relieved by resorting to oral anti-inflammatory medications. The muscles around the joint area can be brought at ease, by applying a warm compress. Read more on temporomandibular joint disorders: TMJ symptoms and treatment.

Fractured Teeth
Any powerful blow to the mouth during an accident can lead to cracked tooth. Moreover, the tooth can also crack, if one bites forcefully on a hard object. The crack may or may not be severe and can result in pain, only when you use that area of the mouth to chew food. The cracked tooth will hurt every time any movement is made with it. This issue can be resolved by placing a dental crown, but if the crack has caused the pulp portion of the tooth to get exposed and infection has set in, the dentist will ask for a root canal treatment to be done.

Besides these dental causes of tooth pain, there are some non-dental tooth pain causes as well. Sinus or ear infections can lead to tooth pain. In some people, tooth pain appears to be the only symptom of an impending heart attack. Read more on:

    * Home Remedies for Toothache Pain Relief
    * Dental Health

To avoid tooth pain spearheaded by any of the above tooth pain causes, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing and proper dental care will keep your teeth from encountering major issues.

Tooth Decay in Children

When a particular tooth lacks minerals, then a formation of hole or soft cavity is developed thus giving rise to tooth decay in children. If the cavity developed is very deep, then it can affect nerve and blood vessels which are present in the central pulp. This process of lack of required minerals is referred to as demineralization and it mainly occurs because of the presence of acids on the teeth. Also, when the hard tissues which protect the teeth break, the damage of tooth in children can take place. Read on dental health to learn how to prevent tooth decay in children.

Causes of Tooth Decay in Children

    * If, sugar is consumed by oral bacteria which gives rise to the formation of different acids, then decay of tooth can take place in children.
    * Foods which are rich in carbohydrates can also cause like potato chips, peanut butter, crackers, etc. can also cause damage of tooth.
    * Consumption of carbonated soft drinks to a large extent can cause erosion of the tooth enamel.
    * Consumption of sweet food like chocolates, cakes, etc. in a large extent can also cause the decay of the tooth.
    * Not brushing the teeth regularly and properly can also cause the damage of the tooth. Also, if not taken proper dental care, tooth decay can occur.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay in Children

When the tooth decay is minimal, it is painless. But, severe tooth decay can give rise to pain. If the decay becomes more intense, then one can also experience sensitivity to hot and cold food. In severe cases, the victim might also experience pus and blood oozing out from the infected area. Development of brown patches will also start appearing on the infected teeth. Bad breath is also one of the symptom of tooth decay. Discoloration of the tooth will also be observed. Read more on tooth pain remedies.

Treatment for Tooth Decay in Children

Brushing the teeth with a gel containing fluoride can help in clearing the plaque present on the teeth. Make sure that you floss and brush your teeth regularly. Children above the age of 6 can make use of fluoride mouth wash. Brushing teeth with baking soda will also help. One can also opt for special filling materials. These filling materials can be bonded to the tooth. These filling materials will keep away bacteria which causes the decay of the tooth. This should be done under the guidance of a dentist. If the tooth decay is severe, then it is better to visit the dentist. This will help in avoiding the further related complications. Read more on tooth pain after filling.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children

    * Natural sweeteners can cause a damage to the teeth. Hence, instead of using natural sweeteners, one can opt for artificial sweeteners.
    * Make it a point to wash your mouth after eating sugary food or any other food. This will clean all kinds of bacteria and acids present on the tooth.
    * Avoid keeping sugary foods in your mouth for a long time. Read more on infected tooth remedies.

In order to avoid gum diseases and tooth decay in children, make sure that they visit the dentist regularly and also maintain proper oral health. If the decayed tooth is left untreated, then it can intensify the problem and also the growth of the tooth if it is in the growing stage. In some cases, the tooth decay becomes so severe that the tooth has to be removed.

Toothache Home Remedies

We all dread the horrendous pain associated with a tooth cavity. Excruciating toothache can cause even the strongest and bravest men to surrender! Only a person who has gone through it can explain how crippling this pain can be!

Toothache can be caused by various dental factors such as tooth decay, tooth root sensitivities, gum diseases, temporomandibular joint pain or fractured teeth. One can even experience toothache after a cavity filling procedure or after a tooth extraction procedure. Moreover, they can also be caused by non-dental factors like sinus or ear infections too. Irrespective of the cause of pain, toothache can be quite a harrowing experience. To counter this one can try out some toothache remedies for relief from gnawing pain. Read more on tooth pain causes.

Home Remedies for Toothache

The different toothache home remedies that one can use to reduce a toothache are as follows:

Onion Juice
If your toothache has been caused by a tooth cavity, then you can try out onion juice, as it is believed to be an effective treatment for relieving toothache. Just place a small piece of onion onto the aching tooth and allow its juices to seep into the tooth cavity. The juices will destroy the germs in the cavity, thereby providing relief from the agonizing pain.

Fresh Garlic or Garlic Capsules
One of the best sinus toothache home remedies is garlic, which being a natural bacteria combatant treats the cause of a sinus toothache. Crush a fresh clove of garlic and hold it onto the aching tooth. When the garlic begins to sting, remove it from your mouth. For a long term effect, take 600 milligram capsules thrice a day until the toothache subsides. Placing the clove of garlic along with some rock salt on the aching tooth also helps relieve the pain.

Clove Oil
Another remedy for sinus toothache is clove oil. Dab a few drops of clove oil onto a cotton swab and place it directly onto the infected tooth. This remedy provides instant relief from sinus toothache by causing a numbing effect for about an hour. Applying clove oil drops onto the tooth cavity relieves toothaches caused by cavities. You can even chew a clove slowly in your mouth and allow the juices in the clove to work on the tooth cavity. Leave the clove in your mouth for half an hour, following this procedure thrice a day.

Clove and Margosa Bark
Wisdom toothache is considered to be the worst of all toothaches (not that the others are less torturous). The pain caused by a wisdom tooth can be alleviated by boiling 6 cloves with a two inch bark of the margosa tree along with a cup of water and apply the boiled mixture onto the aching tooth. This is one of the wisdom toothache home remedies that provides instant relief.

Cold Compress
Home remedies for a severe toothache plays the role of the savior especially when one has a terrible toothache and the dentist is unavailable for whatever reason. To curb the pain until a check up can be carried out one can apply a cold compress to the outer side of the mouth (on the cheek), at the site of toothache. Heat can conduce to spread of bacterial infection, which is why application of heat should be strictly avoided. You can even try out the clove oil and garlic remedies mentioned above to give relief from the pain.

Read more on :

    * Tooth Abscess Home Remedy
    * Home Remedies for Toothache Pain Relief

If the toothache is accompanied by some cavity symptoms like pits or holes in the teeth, pus around the teeth, tooth sensitivity, etc. you should not suppress the pain using the above mentioned toothache home remedies. Repressing the pain will only conduce to further degradation and enlargement of tooth cavity. The wisest thing to do would be to visit the dentist and fill the cavity. Maintaining proper dental care is vital for ensuring good dental health. Just as a 'stitch in time saves nine', a filling in time saves your smile!

Tooth Decay Causes

Tooth decay or cavity is a dental condition, in which the enamel is dissolved by bacterial action, leading to cavities or holes in the tooth. It is medically referred to as dental carries. Even though, tooth decay is considered as a childhood disease, everyone is at a risk to developing cavities at any stage of their life. Millions of people are affected with dental carries worldwide. Overall, tooth decay causes and risk factors remain nearly the same for all people. Read more on tooth decay in children.

Tooth Decay Causes

The query 'what causes tooth decay' remains unknown to many people. Actually, decay in the tooth is resulted from demineralization process (mineral dissolving), which in turn is caused due to accumulation of acids on the tooth surface. This acid is secreted by bacteria present in the mouth, in the presence of glucose, sucrose or fructose. In short, the causes of tooth decay are acid producing bacteria and dietary choices.

When food containing fermentable carbohydrate and sugars are ingested, bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus act on them, leading to production of lactic acid. Dental plague is then formed by combination of saliva, bacteria, acid and food wastes. In such an acidic condition, demineralization of the tooth takes place, which over time results in holes and cavities. No doubt, our teeth are always in a state of demineralization and remineralization processes. But, in a decaying tooth, dissolving of mineral occurs in a rapid rate and the affected tooth cannot recover.

Based on the location, there are two types of tooth decay, namely, pit and fissures carries and smooth surface carries. Also, acute carries (rapid decay) and chronic carries (slow decay) are classified, depending upon the rate of disease progression. Most people are affected with chronic type, while acute condition is triggered by certain factors. The causes of rapid tooth decay are attributed to poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, dry mouth, diabetes and radiation therapy. Read on gum diseases.

Tooth decay is asymptomatic or not obvious in the initial stages. The early sign of tooth decay is a chalky spot in the affected tooth portion. This area enlarges and causes holes over a period of time. Besides cavities, another noticeable symptom is unexplainable bad breath. In many patients, tooth decay causes bad breath, bleeding gum, bad taste in the mouth and sensitivity to cold and hot foods.

Tooth Decay Treatment and Prevention

Tooth decay, if left untreated for a prolonged period, can lead to painful symptoms, toothache and in severe cases, tooth loss. The treatment option for tooth decay depends on the severity of the dental condition. In the early stage, reversing tooth decay can be done with proper dental health care and using fluoride containing products, as prescribed by the dentist. In case of cavity formation, the dentist may consider filling the hole with a tooth filling substance, a procedure called dental filling. If necessary, root canal treatment and removal of the affected tooth are recommended as a severe tooth decay treatment.

You may like to know more on:

    * Infected Tooth Remedies
    * Tooth Pain Remedies

Tooth decay is easily preventable with basic oral hygiene and a healthy diet. As we have seen, tooth decay causes are bacteria in the presence of sugary foods, hence make sure you rinse and floss after having such food items. By doing so, the fermentable food wastes are not retained in the mouth, thus inhibiting the formation of acids. Majority of the dental carries are manifested due to poor oral hygiene and improper brushing. So, to prevent tooth decay, one should practice correct dental care routine.

Toothache Cure

Who doesn't dread the harrowing time spent at the dentist's clinic! Toothaches have been observed to debilitate even the strongest of men! Though most of us may not know or even care much about the underlying causes of toothaches, we all know (at least most of us!) how horrendous a toothache can be. Well, it so happens that toothaches are spearheaded by tooth decay. However, tooth decay is not the only causative factor. Various other dental factors such as fractured teeth, gum diseases, tooth root sensitivities, temporomandibular joint disorder, etc. are also tooth pain causes. Other factors like sinus or ear infections can also cause toothaches. Toothaches after cavity filling procedures and tooth extraction procedures are also experienced. Well, if you are in pain you really don't care about what causes it and desperately need instant toothache cures to alleviate the pain. Here are some quick and natural toothache cures.

How to Cure a Toothache

    * One of the simplest methods of relieving toothache is chewing leaves of guava trees.
    * Drink an infusion of chick weed to alleviate toothache.
    * For instant numbness, the best toothache cure is in your freezer itself. Stick the pieces of ice in a piece of clean cloth and hold it on your cheek (aching side of course!). After 20 minutes remove the pack.
    * Add some powdered asafoetida into lemon juice and make a paste. Apply this paste onto the tooth.
    * Another instant cure for toothache is applying few drops of vanilla extract on the hurting tooth.
    * Chew cloves or rub clove oil on the painful tooth and on the surrounding gums. The numbing effect of cloves provide temporary relief.
    * Chewing a piece of raw onion on the hurting tooth's side for a few minutes helps to kill the bacteria eating their way into the tooth and also relieve pain.
    * To cure increased sensitivity of the tooth, mix a pinch of pepper powder into a little clove oil and apply it to the decaying tooth.
    * Pour some whiskey over the aching tooth and allow the surrounding gums to be soaked in it as well. Once the gums absorb the whiskey, a numbing effect will be experienced.
    * Powder an aspirin and sprinkle some of it onto the decaying tooth and allow it to dissolve there. Though this is one of the worst tasting cures for toothache, it alleviates the pain in minutes.
    * Rinsing the mouth with salt water helps dislodge any food particles stuck in the tooth cavities and the empty spaces in the gums. It also reduces the soreness in the gums. Make sure you dissolve table salt in warm water and then swish it in your mouth.
    * Did you know tea bags alleviate toothaches? In a cup, place a tea bag and pour enough steaming hot water to wet the bag completely. Allow the tea bag to cool a bit and then squeeze out all the tea water. Place it onto the hurting tooth for several minutes till the pain subsides.
    * One of the best sinus toothache cures is fresh cloves of garlic. Crush a clove of fresh garlic and place it onto the aching tooth till it begins to sting and then remove it. You could even add some rock salt to the crushed garlic clove to alleviate the pain.

Read more on:

    * Dental Health
    * Dental Care
    * Toothache After Filling

You can also resort to polynesian toothache cures or slow working over-the-counter toothache relief drugs to alleviate the toothache. However, one should remember that these toothache home remedies are not solutions to toothache and need to be shown and treated by the dentist. Toothaches are often accompanied by other tooth cavity symptoms like visible pits or holes in the teeth, pus around the teeth, pain while biting, etc. Toothaches can be prevented from occurring by rinsing the mouth with antiseptic rinses and regular brushing (twice a day). Taking appointments with the dentist after every 3-4 months and getting the teeth cleaned once every 6 months helps prevent major teeth problems.

Toothache Relief

A toothache is the soreness or discomfort within or around a tooth, which might be irritating. Toothache is usually accompanied by swelling or reddening of gums and there is always a possibility of abscess. A toothache starts emerging when an infection reaches the deeper parts of the tooth, the nerve endings and blood vessels. We all are aware and scared of the horrendous toothache, when a food particle gets stuck in a tooth cavity. Sitting in front of a dentist, can cause even the bravest men to surrender! Only a person who has experienced toothache, can explain how crippling it is! Almost every one of us has experienced the harrowing pangs of toothache, at least once in the lifetime. We all know how excruciating toothache can get, however, we just overlook the precautionary measures. Let's first have a look at the different tooth pain causes.

Toothache Causes

    * Gum Diseases: In gum diseases, inflamed gums affect the supporting bone of a tooth. The plaque on the tooth is a good home for bacteria, which can infect the gums. Read more on periodontal diseases.
    * Wisdom Tooth: Impacted wisdom teeth can be the cause of toothache. Mostly, the impacted wisdom tooth catches bacterial infections and so, for such wisdom toothache relief, removing of the tooth is usually advised. Read more on wisdom teeth infection.
    * Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is the main and common cause of toothache. Harmful bacteria secrete harmful acids, which destroy tooth enamel and tooth cavities are formed.
    * Injury: Any powerful blow to the mouth or forceful biting of a hard object, may result in cracked tooth, leading to toothache.
    * Sensitiveness of Tooth Root: Untreated gum diseases or tooth decay may expose the roots of a tooth. The roots of the teeth are very sensitive and can cause tooth pain, which can be noticed during consumption of hot, cold and sour foods.
    * Non Dental Causes: Sinus, ear infection, impending heart attack can be some of the causes of toothache.

To prevent toothache, dental health has to be taken care of. Oral hygiene is extremely significant if we wish to prevent tooth infection and decay. Here are some tips for proper dental care and home remedies for toothache pain relief.

Toothache Relief Home Remedy

    * Warm Salt Water: Warm salt water rinses or swishing with warm salt water will give relief to the toothache.
    * Clove: A clove can be held under the affected tooth or cotton saturated with clove oil can be pressed and kept around the painful tooth. Clove is analgesic in nature.The pain will subside slowly.
    * Camphor: A small piece of camphor can be held under the affected tooth or camphor oil can be applied around the paining tooth. The pain will be reduced soon.
    * Ice: Applying ice from outside is one of the most common toothache remedies. It can be placed inside also. It relieves the pain by creating numbness.
    * Oil of Oregano: Oil of oregano has excellent antibiotic properties. It can prevent tooth decay. Read more on oregano oil dosage.
    * Dried Peppermint Leaves: Dried peppermint leaves can be placed around the aching tooth for 10-15 minutes and then spit them out. Do it 10-15 times per day, to relieve toothache.
    * Fresh Peppermint: Add some fresh peppermint in salt and water and boil it for 5 minutes. Drink the lukewarm water. It will act as pain killer.
    * Whiskey: A swig of whiskey will make the alcohol work as anesthetic agent and the pain will get reduced.
    * Iodine: Put a drop of iodine on the aching tooth but do not swallow it. The pain will subside.
    * Garlic: If a paste of garlic with some rock salt is applied on the aching tooth, pain is reduced fast.
    * Asafetida: Make a paste of half tea spoonful asafetida and lemon juice and apply it on the aching tooth. It is an excellent pain killer.
    * Cucumber: Hold thick slices of cucumber under the affected tooth and it will relieve the pain soon.
    * Oats: Holding oats around the aching tooth, can draw out the pus from the abscess and thus, can help reduce the pain. Read more on tooth abscess home remedies.
    * Oral Hygiene: Brushing the teeth after every meal, avoiding too much of fatty or sweet food items, regular gargling and rinsing with warm salty water, regular dental check-up at the dentist's clinic, adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, following a high fiber diet can prevent tooth decay.

Tooth Decay Treatment

Like any other part of the body, our teeth are also susceptible to a number of problems. One of the most common of them is tooth decay. The food that we eat and the bacteria that we harbor in our mouth are the main causes of tooth decay. Ruling out either of them to prevent tooth decay is not possible. Hence, maintaining a good oral hygiene is very important. What makes dental care so important is the fact that tooth decay is a slow process. It starts with small caries in teeth and may take years before large cavities that expose the nerves and cause pain, are formed. A tooth decay can be detected early or at a later stage. Depending upon the degree of damage, there are a number of tooth decay treatments that a dentist may opt for. But before we discuss the various tooth decay treatment options, let us understand what are the tooth decay causes and symptoms.

Tooth Decay Symptoms
For those who do not go for regular dental check ups, a tooth decay may be detected only after one feels a toothache. However, the common symptoms of tooth decay that one should watch out are:

    * Bad breath
    * Foul taste in mouth
    * Toothache (due to infection or irritation of the tooth pulp)
    * Pain while chewing food, brushing teeth, eating hot or cold food or drinks or breathing in cold air
    * Holes or pits (cavities) in teeth

In case of severe tooth decay, pus filled sacs may be formed at the base of the teeth in the bone that is accompanied with swollen glands and jaws, fever and acute pain. Read more on toothache cures.

Tooth Decay Causes
As already said, food that we eat and bacteria are the culprit behind tooth decay. Foods rich in carbohydrates have high content of starch that tend to stay back on teeth especially between teeth and in cavities (if already present). This provides food for bacteria that grow in these cavities. Improper cleaning of teeth after meals may also leave bits of food in between teeth. Bacteria thrive in these food bits and form plaques. The acids released by the hordes of bacteria in plaques attack the outermost layer of teeth, the enamel. As the enamel is destroyed, the bacteria reach deeper layers of teeth causing greater damage. Association of sugar rich food and tooth decay is the main reason that tooth decay in children is so common nowadays.

Tooth Decay Treatment
When you visit your dentist because of any of the symptoms of tooth decay, he will perform a dental check up to see if it's a case of tooth decay. In case it is, he would also ascertain the severity of the damage as that is the deciding factor of the type of treatment for tooth decay that needs to be followed. The various tooth decay treatment options available are:

Fluoride Treatment: Toothpastes and mouth rinses already have some amount of fluoride in them as this mineral is important for dental health. Fluoride prevents cavities and helps teeth to repair themselves. In case the tooth decay is in the initial stages, fluoride treatment is what dentists resort to. Professional fluoride treatment involve the dentist applying a liquid, gel or foam to the affected tooth. These stuff have higher concentration of fluoride than those in normal toothpastes or mouth washes. Alternatively, a paste rich in fluoride may be prepared in a tray that is then fitted over the teeth and left on for sometime. These fluoride treatments need to be repeated a couple of times as instructed by one's dentist.

Fillings: If the tooth decay has penetrated deeper than the enamel, one has to go for tooth filling. In the cavity filling procedure, the decayed portion of the teeth is removed and filled with a filling material that restores the shape of the teeth. The filling could be composite resins (that are of the same color as the teeth), silver amalgam, gold or ceramics. Silver amalgam is a mixture of other metals like mercury and tin. Although medical research (though somewhat controversial) has shown that silver amalgam is a safe option for tooth filling, some people fear the harmful effects of mercury being incorporated in the body. Nevertheless, silver amalgam is the easiest material for a dentist to use. It is also the fastest and the least expensive option for tooth filling. On the other hand, gold and ceramics are expensive choice for tooth fillings. Read more on cavity filling cost.

Crowns: In case of extensive decay, doing multiple fillings will weaken the tooth. In such case, crowns are used. The decayed area of the tooth is removed, treated and a crown or covering jacket is put over the remaining teeth. The crowns are usually made of gold or porcelain.

Root Canal Treatment: In case of severe tooth decay in which even the nerves get affected, root canal treatment is required. In this form of treatment, the pulp is removed along with the decayed parts of the tooth. This area is then filled with a sealing material to prevent exposure of the inner parts to harmful bacteria. Root canal treatment is also known as orthodontic procedure. More on orthodontic treatment.

Tooth Extraction: In case most of the tooth has been damaged, a dentist may have to extract the tooth altogether. It is advisable to go for a dental implant to fill the empty place left by the extracted tooth as other teeth may move in to fill the space provided by the tooth that has been removed. Tooth extraction procedure is done with the use of a local anesthesia after which the infected tooth is removed by a trained dentist. Though a simple procedure, there are a few tooth extraction complications like tooth extraction infection that one must be aware of. Read more on tooth extraction cost.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay
Here are some simple ways to prevent tooth decay:

    * Brush at least twice daily.
    * If it's not possible to brush after every meal, at least rinse your mouth every time after you eat something.
    * Avoid eating snacks frequently.
    * Eat food like cheese, fruits and vegetables that are naturally good for your teeth.
    * Use fluoride toothpaste.
    * Drink water that has fluoride added to it, like tap water.
    * Visit the dentist regularly.

Studies into dental health today has opened many option for tooth decay treatments. However, it is better to follow all tenets of proper dental care so that we can prevent our tooth from decaying.

Severe Tooth Pain

The mouth is a fundamental and vital part of the human body. Each and every component of the mouth namely tongue, teeth, salivary glands, etc. is equally important. A shortcoming in any of these can not only hamper the oral health, but also adversely affect overall health of an individual. Digestion of food is an important function of the body and the process starts in the mouth. Teeth carry out the mechanical breaking down of food into smaller pieces, making it more convenient for the stomach and intestines to carry out their respective functions. But these cutters and crushers in our mouths are prone to many problems and most of them are evident through extreme tooth pain.

Tooth pain in and around the teeth, gums or jaws is caused mostly by various dental problems such as tooth decay, dental cavity or infection, gum disease, tooth breakage or fracture, etc. In some cases, diseases like Temporomandibular joint disorders (jaw joint disorders) can also result in severe tooth pain.

Severe Tooth Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Remedies

    * The most widespread cause of severe tooth pain is a tooth decay or tooth cavity, also known as dental caries. Cavity is damage to the tooth due to progressive erosion caused by bacterial action. Mouth contains many types of bacteria. After meals, certain types of bacteria chemically break down sugar into acids. These acids erode the outer layers of the teeth, mainly made of enamel and dentin. The most common symptom of tooth cavity is spontaneous and lingering sensitivity when hot or chilled food comes in contact with the teeth. If decay is detected at an early stage, the damage caused can be repaired by just restoring proper dental hygiene. Topical fluorides help to facilitate mineralization. A severe tooth pain remedy, easily available at home is garlic. It has a chemical called allicin which has antibiotic properties. It curbs the multiplication of bacteria. If the damage caused is more, your dentist would suggest a simple root canal treatment (RCT).
    * Severe tooth pain after filling is a common occurrence in RCT patients because of a loose filling. Severe tooth pain after root canal is also a common occurrence in many patients. In such cases, sharp pain is experienced while biting down food. Replacement of loose filling is required in this case. Have patience and understand that this pain is not permanent. Medium dosage of pain-killers can prove helpful.
    * Gum diseases are another common cause of tooth pain. One can notice inflammation of gums that can spread to the bones that surround and support the teeth structure. In some cases, the bone may even get destroyed. In such cases, dentists employ a relatively new technique of tissue regeneration, like grafting the bone, thereby encouraging bone re-growth. Receding gums is another gum related disorder that may be a cause tooth pain. Gum recession, which results in the exposure of small areas of teeth roots, can be treated by a covering the exposed part.
    * Tooth fracture or cracked tooth syndrome is yet another cause of severe tooth pain. It is a simple case of broken tooth or tooth fracture caused by trauma to the teeth by accidents or injuries. Such cracks are too small to be detected on X-rays as some cracks are beneath the gums. Pain while biting is a common symptom of this tooth ailment. Performing a root canal on the tooth or crowning the tooth are the two most common treatments to cure tooth fractures.
    * Pulp tissue inflammation is one of the less common causes of tooth pain. Symptoms of pulp tissue inflammation are slight but constant ache near a tooth and biting sensitivity are often eperienced. A visit to your dentist or an endodontist will be required in this case. An endodontic therapy may be required to eliminate the problem.
    * Tooth abscess is yet another cause of tooth pain. It is basically a worsened stage of tooth decay, resulting from neglect of tooth decay. The surrounding bone of the abscessed tooth becomes infected. Retreatment which is a type of endodontic surgery may be needed to get out of this situation.
    * Some experience slight pain and pressure in upper teeth and jaw. These symptoms are observed in those suffering from teeth grinding or Bruxism. There's no concrete cure for bruxism but if the factors causing bruxism like sleep disorders, smoking, stress, malocclusion, alcoholism, etc. are eliminated, it can be contained.
    * Emergence of wisdom teeth is yet another cause of acute toothache. Wisdom teeth pain is common world wide as more often than not, these teeth emerge misaligned, causing overcrowding with the already present molars, pressurizing and pushing them. Wisdom tooth extraction is the only remedy if extreme tooth pain persists.

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    * Tooth Pain Relief
    * Home Remedies for Toothache Pain Relief

Not All Toothaches are Caused by Tooth Problems
Many a times, tooth pain is not caused by problems of tooth or even gums! Pain in teeth or gums has also been attributed to heart diseases (angina or cardiac arrest), ear infections and Sinus infections or sinusitis. In many cases, heart patients have complained of tooth ache or jaw pain. Those with ear infections often complain of sharp pain in upper teeth and jaws, especially at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Also, in some rare cases tooth aches are caused by a neurological condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia.

As in any Case, Prevention is Better than Cure
All said, but a lot left to be done, severe tooth pain can easily be prevented by following a healthy diet and following good maintaining dental hygiene practices. Here are some measures that provide toothache relief:

    * Decreasing the amount of sugar intake in your diet.
    * Using a fluoride based toothpaste to brush your teeth and visiting a dentist for a routine check-up, atleast once every six months.
    * Consuming food and drinks at normal temperatures.
    * Avoiding aerated drinks and smoking.
    * A diet rich in vitamin C is useful in maintaining oral health. It prevents tooth decay, dental caries and strengthens gums.

These were a few simple tips that can bring a positive change in your oral health. Hope you become more vigilant about, not just severe tooth pain, but overall dental health after reading this article. After all, it takes a lot of teeth for a perfect smile!

Toothache Symptoms

The medical term used to describe the aching pain of the toothache is odontalgia. It occurs as a result of swelling in the central part of the tooth also known as pulp. It consists of several nerve endings which are highly sensitive towards pain. There are several causes that can lead to inflammation of the pulp. Tooth or jaw problems like cavities, gum disease, infection of the pulp, trauma, cracked tooth, etc., are some of the most common causes of toothaches. After extraction of one or more teeth, a condition called dry socket tends to develop which may give toothache symptoms. Impacted wisdom teeth are responsible for causing wisdom toothache symptoms. It could be a symptom of some underlying health problems too. Like, one can get sinus toothache symptoms due to inflammation of the sinuses in the nasal cavity. Ear infection, oral cancer and heart disease may sometimes cause toothaches.

Symptoms of Toothache

The intensity of the aching pain of the tooth is mild in the beginning. This pain tends to shoot up when we eat or drink something hot or cold. After a few seconds, once the hot or cold stimuli is removed, the pain usually goes down. As the area of inflammation grows bigger, the toothache turns more severe and often gives a throbbing sensation. It may get extended to the cheek, ear and the head. Other accompanying symptoms that suggest periodontal diseases are as follows:

    * Swelling around the affected tooth.
    * Swelling of the jaw.
    * Bleeding from the tooth or if the gum has been infected then discharge can occur from the entire gums. Read more on gum infection symptoms.
    * Soreness can be felt in the gum and jaw area and is tender to touch.
    * The pain often intensifies with additional pressure on the tooth. It can happen while chewing the food or while lying down.
    * Sometimes, the tooth appears normal and it becomes difficult to identify the source of pain. In such cases, if you tap the tooth you can feel the tenderness.

If all the above mentioned toothache symptoms are missing and still you are suffering from toothache, then it is likely that the source of the pain is other than the tooth. It could be due to sinus infection and ear or throat infection. If you are unable to open your mouth for a large bite or yawning, then it can be due to injury to the joint that attach the jaw and the skull also called temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Sometimes, chest pain due to angina may travel through the nerves and can be felt in the jaw area.

Toothache Treatment

Treatment for toothache symptoms depends on the underlying cause of the problem. First of all, doctors prescribe pain killers and antibiotics to bring down the pain and swelling. In certain cases, they may administer injections around the tooth to provide relief from the pain. Then it is followed by other dental treatments. For a tooth decay, dentists remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill it up using silver amalgam or composite resin. If loose and broken fillings are found to be the cause of toothache, then newly formed tooth decay and broken fillings are cleared off and a new filling is placed. When damage in the tooth pulp is found then root canal treatment is carried out which involves removal of decayed pulp, filling up the space with a paste and covering the tooth with a crown. Thus the tooth is sealed up and is in a well protected condition. If the condition of the tooth is such that it cannot be treated with all these methods then the tooth has to be extracted. When the toothache is related to anything other than dental health then your dentist will refer you to other specialists. Find more on tooth decay treatment and tooth ache remedies.

You can avoid toothache symptoms to a great extent by following a proper dental care regime. Proper brushing of teeth using a soft brush is a must in order to remove food particles that get stuck in between the teeth. Brush your gums daily to make them healthy. Get your teeth cleaned by your dentist twice a year. This will ensure you protection from both tooth decay as well as any kind of gum disease.

Toothache Remedies

Commonly, any problem related to the tooth or the jaws, may manifest itself through a toothache. Common examples are dental cavity, cracked tooth, exposed tooth root and gum disease or infection. Any disease of the jaw joint or spasms of the muscles used for chewing food may also result in a toothache. A toothache may be mild in some cases and in some, can be so severe that it might give the feeling of being knocked by a hammer, every now and then. Chewing or exposing the affected tooth to cold or heat may also serve as a trigger to aggravate the pain. Toothache in itself is a symptom of other ongoing problems, some of which have been mentioned above. However, when a person is suffering from a toothache, the pain can be sharp, throbbing or might have a sudden occurrence or may even be constant. After this, let's have a look at the various toothache remedies which you can make use of, efficiently.

Toothache Remedies at Home

Among many toothache remedies, clove oil use has been an age old practice. It not only helps in alleviating the pain, but also aids in fighting any infection of the tooth, due to its antiseptic properties. If a decayed tooth is the cause of the toothache, then put some drops of clove oil on the tooth and get relief from the pain. Read more on clove oil for tooth pain.

Another beneficial method for treating a toothache is the use of asafoetida (the brownish gum resin of various plants). Make a paste of this resin and lemon juice and dip a cotton swab in the lotion. Dab the affected tooth with the cotton swab and repeat the procedure until you feel the pain getting less intense. Alternatively, making a paste of asafoetida with a pinch of salt and coating the aching tooth with it, also helps.

Onion is also among the list of popular toothache remedies which most have benefited from. Simply place a fresh small piece of it on the aching tooth or gum. Onion holds certain antibacterial; properties. Even chewing one onion a day helps in preventing the occurrence of several tooth disorders.

If you can arrange to get the bark of bay berry, then you can prepare a paste of the bark with vinegar. Apply the paste to the tooth or the gums, whenever you feel the sensation of the pain.

Out of the many toothache remedies, this one not only helps in taking care of the pain, but prevents dental cavities, foul breath, painful and bleeding gums, as well. This remedy is the application of a mixture of pepper and some salt.

Most must have heard about the benefits of wheat grass in treating an aching tooth. All you have to do is chew the grass and let it draw out the toxins from the gums and curb bacterial growth, if any. Using its juice as a mouthwash checks tooth decay and hence the toothache.

One simple toothache cure is to use a mixture of mustard oil and turmeric powder. It not only reduces the pain, but its regular use helps in curing other tooth problems.

Apart from all these toothache remedies, salt water has also proved to be one good treatment. The astringent property of salt helps in tooth disinfection. Mix 1 tbsp. of common salt with 1 cup if warm water and taking a mouthful of the solution, move it around the aching tooth.

For more of such tips and remedies, check out more on:

    * Home Remedies for Toothache Pain Relief
    * Toothache Relief

Using all such toothache remedies are best and effective at their own place. However, keeping good choices of food in your diet would not only aid to your dental health, but keep you from such painful situations. Foods which are considered best for dental health include cheese, chicken, nuts, milk, apples, pears and other crunchy fruits. Adding different varieties of vegetables to the diet is of course, beneficial for the health as a whole. Food you should keep away from your meal choice would be all forms of candy and other foods which are high in sugar content. Sometimes, sugary treats become too tempting to avoid. So, even if you are not able to help yourself from relishing your favorite 'sweet stuffs', ensure that you wash your mouth and brush your teeth properly. Of course, brushing your teeth is something which must be done at least twice a day, no matter what type of food you have!