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, 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 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 your 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 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.

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 help 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.

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 it's 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.

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 th 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.

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 anaesthetic 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. ThUnderstanding 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 applies
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 anaesthesia 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 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.

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 th 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.

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 anaesthetic 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 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.

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 comes 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 dentist, as the nerve of your tooth could be
exposed. Normally, sensitive teeth starts 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.

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.

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 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 went beyond the gum
line. If it has made it's 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Dreaded Root Canal

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 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.

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.

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.

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 anaesthesia back then, so
it was impossible to locally numb the pain. These days though, local
anaesthesia 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.

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, 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.

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, 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
it's 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.

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, regular cleaning visits 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 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 work with you to overcome your fear. Over time, you'll
find that you can overcome your fear and establish a great relationship with
your 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 would 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.

Dealing With Cracked 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, 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 anaesthesia 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 what
is going on. If you decide to just use local anaesthesia, 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.

Crowns And Bridging

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, 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
it's 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.

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 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 slow.
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 dissolves 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.

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 is 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.

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 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.

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. This 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. Gum diseases 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, 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 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,
then get the tooth removed. You should never let it get that bad -- as an
abscess is something that can destroy your jawbone.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 it's original shape.
When performing a filling, the dentist will remove the decayed area of the
tooth, clean around it, 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 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, 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 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.

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, 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 anaesthesia
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 what is going
on. If you decide to just use local anaesthesia, 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.

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