Home Remedies for Cavities

A dental cavity is one of the most common causes of toothache and jaw pain. When a small food particle gets lodged in the cavity, it leads to excruciating pain. The toothache becomes worse if the tooth root is exposed due to the cavity. Oral hygiene, healthy diet, good eating habits play an important role in preventing cavities and tooth decay. Before discussing home remedies for cavities, let us first take a look at the causes of tooth cavities.

Causes of Teeth Cavities

The hard white enamel and dentin are the two outer layers of a tooth. A hole in these two layers is referred to as 'tooth cavity'. In the early stage, a hole develops in the enamel and does not lead to any sensation. But as it reaches the dentin, the person experiences pain when the tooth is used to bite the food. With prompt treatment (filling), you can prevent worsening of the situation. If you don't get the cavity filled up by a dentist immediately, then it can become larger and larger and eventually, can reach the pulp. To avoid this situation, you need to know the causes of cavities in teeth.

Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is the main cause of tooth cavity. Bacteria in food particles left on tooth surface produce certain acids which lead to tooth decay. Streptococcus mutans is the most common bacteria which causes tooth decay. When the caries (cavity) is formed in the enamel, it does not cause any pain. But when it reaches the inner layer, the person starts experiencing pain.

Structural Defects: If the teeth are not properly aligned, cleaning becomes difficult. This leads to bacterial growth and tooth decay, resulting in cavities.

Health Disorders: A harsh blow during sports activities and trauma during an accident can result in the chipping of a tooth. Insufficient fluoride in teeth, scarcity of saliva in mouth (dry mouth) can lead to formation of teeth cavities. Fluoride protects the enamel and helps prevent pits, grooves or fissures. Plaque gets accumulated in these pockets and bacterial growth leads to formation of cavities. Chemicals in saliva cancel the effect of acid released by the bacteria and thus helps to stop tooth decay at an early stage. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, which involve frequent eating and vomiting, can also be the cause of teeth cavities. Vomiting or even heartburn leads to interaction of the tooth enamel with the stomach acid; which results in gradual destruction of the enamel.

Wrong Diet: Excessive consumption of sugary or acidic foods leads to tooth cavity. Eating hard food like sugarcane, walnuts, etc. can lead to the chipping of a weak tooth. Lack of calcium in diet can result in weak teeth. Cavities are more likely to be formed in weak teeth. You should avoid smoking, frequent snacking if you want to maintain the health of your teeth. Sipping sugary drinks frequently can lead to formation of cavities in teeth.

Symptoms of Teeth Cavities

Early detection of a tooth cavity helps save the tooth with proper treatment. A small cavity at an early stage is likely to go unnoticed as it does not cause any pain. A white spot on the tooth surface indicates loss of minerals from the enamel. The lesion gradually turns into a cavity. Formation of the cavity leads to destruction of the tooth enamel and dentin. Tooth enamel is quite hard but the structure of the dentin is porous. So once the cavity reaches the dentin, it reaches the pulp very fast. As the cavity becomes deeper, the nerve becomes exposed; and then, lodged food particles give rise to extreme pain. Increased tooth sensitivity, pain after consumption of cold or hot drinks indicates cavity in a tooth. Consumption of sweet food and drinks causes excruciating pain. Bad breath is also one of the common symptoms of tooth decay. Development of puss around the tooth results in bad breath. The person may experience pain while biting and foul taste in the mouth. Lack of treatment can result in spread of the infection to the surrounding tissues, leading to life threatening situations. Read more on cavity symptoms.

Home Remedies for Cavities

Both children and adults are susceptible to teeth cavities. Root canal treatment can save the tooth in case of deep cavities. In case of smaller cavities, certain home remedies work great for cavity pain.

Warm Water: Using warm water while brushing your teeth can help prevent formation of bacteria. It helps control pain in the cavity. While cleaning, you should clean all the areas thoroughly. You should not avoid the area where you are experiencing pain. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to avoid cavity pain.

Gargling: Gargling with warm salted water helps kill bacteria in the mouth and throat. It helps get rid of bad breath and foul taste in the mouth.

Clove/Camphor Oil: Applying clove or camphor oil with the help of a cotton swab helps relieve cavity pain. If the oil is not available, you can directly use the clove. A clove exhibits antiseptic properties and pressing the clove with the help of the infected tooth helps relieve the pain. You can even add a pinch of pepper powder to a few drops of clove oil and put the mixture on the cavity. It works great for cavity pain.

Lemon with Asafoetida: Chewing a slice of lime with skin, (which contains ample C vitamin), can help lower cavity pain. Make a paste of asafoetida powder and lemon juice. Heat the mixture slightly and place a cotton swab soaked in this mixture in the tooth cavity. You will feel better within few minutes.

Wheat Grass Juice: Consumption of wheat grass juice which carries several medicinal properties helps relieve toothache by restricting the growth of bacteria.

Garlic and Onion: The anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties of garlic and onion help relieve toothache. Regular consumption of onion helps prevent cavities. In case of cavity pain, you can place a slice of onion on the painful tooth. Application of garlic paste with rock salt helps relieve cavity pain. Regular use of garlic in diet makes the teeth strong and healthy. The chemical allicin is released when garlic is crushed between the teeth. Allicin carries antibiotic properties. There is no harm in trying these natural home remedies for pain due to cavities.

Ice Therapy: Put some ice cubes in a small zip-lock bag. Wrap it with a hand towel and place it on your jaw, near the painful tooth. Hold cold water or warm salty water in your mouth for sometime, if you can. It will help relieve the pain.

Good Toothpaste: You should always use a good toothpaste which contains fluoride. Some toothpastes come with clove oil as well.

Brushing: You can use any tooth brush for cleaning the teeth but it is necessary to clean the teeth after every snack or meal or drink. Three minutes brushing in the morning and at night can help prevent cavities. Children hesitate to brush before going to bed. It's the duty of parents to watch whether they clean their teeth properly or not. Flossing also helps prevent cavities and tooth decay. Rinsing the mouth after every snack or drink is important.

Healthy Diet: Healthy diet, especially for infants and the elderly, plays an important role in preventing cavity pain. Sugary foods and drinks should be avoided. Sugar triggers the release of acid by the bacteria. A candy which is chewed for 5 minutes leads to less release of acid by the bacteria than a soft drink which is sipped over an hour. Growing children can be given fluoridated water. Intake of fluoride helps strengthen the enamel. Mouthwashes containing fluoride are available in the market.

Over the Counter Medication: If the pain is not relieved with the help of the above home remedies, you can take over the counter painkillers or over the counter anesthetics that are available especially for tooth pain, but after consulting your doctor. Application of oregano oil, olive oil, tea bags also helps get rid of cavity pain.

Remember, during the early stages, a cavity may not be visible but your dentist can locate it with the help of X-ray. Home remedies cannot substitute medical treatment but they can be useful for relieving the pain in the cavities temporarily. Vising a dentist's clinic regularly is essential for preventing cavities. It should be noted that when the extent of tooth decay or cavity is confined to the enamel only or when the decay has not reached the dentin, mineralization (repair) of the enamel is possible with proper treatment.

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 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.

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.

Tooth Decay Symptoms

A dental check up is really a very frightening experience, for adults and children, alike. All through childhood we have heard how important dental care is, how brushing and flossing is important, how regular check and filling of cavity is important, and so on and on. But most of this advise is generally ignored and appointments of regular dental check dates are pushed back every month. That is until we feel something is 'not quite right' with the tooth. Before we get down to tooth decay symptoms, let us understand what causes it, and also few treatment options. Read up all on dental care and dental health.

Tooth Decay Causes
A tooth is a calcified, white structure found in the jaw. A set of 32 teeth in adults is used to chew, bite and scrape food. Tooth decay is caused by the bacteria found in the food that does not get washed out. This bacteria results in a sticky slightly yellowish substance called as plaque. More the bacteria, more the spread of plaque. Bacteria also makes acids when they come in contact with the sugars present in the food. As the acid destroys tooth enamel and its mineral content, it results in cavity and tooth decay. It is the consumption of sugars that gets the acids to act within minutes of consumption to set decay in the tooth. Read more on tooth decay causes.

Tooth Decay Symptoms
As the tooth decay takes a while to set in, it does not show an immediate symptom. Unless the cavity is exposed to very hot or cold foods, most people don't even realize that decay has set in. Once the decay gets infected, one may experience a toothache. A severe toothache results in earache and for some a splitting headache too. This pain gets further aggravated when one is eating sweets, hard food, cold, hot or citrus food, and while brushing teeth.

An infected tooth sometimes cause bad breath. If it is the gum that have gotten infected then the tooth may feel a little shaky, or even break in very tiny splinters. Yellow, brown, black spots may appear on the infected tooth or teeth. When tooth decay is left unattended, it can turn severe and form an abscess. Abscess generally accompanies swollen jaw and glands and/or mild fever. The pus in the abscess can easily spread out from the root of the infected tooth to others. Build of plaque and tartar may cause a gum disease resulting in loss of healthy teeth too. Read more on toothache symptoms.

Tooth Decay Treatment
A diagnosis is made after a dental physical examination and study of the symptoms. However, if the decay is not visible or is too severe, the dentist may recommend an x-ray to asses the damage. The doctor may prescribe pain and swell relieving medications to reduce inflammation of the gum. Anti bacterial mouth wash and toothpaste to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth may also be prescribed. Cavity filling, placement of a crown or root canal treatment or a surgery, where the tooth extraction is performed are all treatment that are followed depending upon the severity of the tooth decay. Read and find more about tooth decay treatment.

This was all about severe tooth decay symptoms and possible treatment. But there are some very easy ways to prevent tooth decay. Brush teeth twice a day with a good quality fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, avoid sweetened snacks and visit the dentist regularly and take their advice very seriously.

How to Get Rid of a Toothache

Painful ache in and around a particular tooth is a problem experienced by many people. Besides mild to sharp penetrating pain, other manifested toothache symptoms are redness, swelling, fluid drainage, bad smell, referred headache and at times, fever. So, how to get rid of a toothache and associated symptoms? Scroll down, to understand the causes of toothache and effective toothache remedies, which you can practice at home.

What Causes Toothache?

As with any medical condition, toothache treatment starts with identifying the root tooth pain causes. The main cause for this dental problem is inflammation of the pulp that is present inside the pulp chamber, a condition called pulpitis. Other reasons for severe toothache are tooth decay, tooth fracture, abscessed tooth and gum infection. Apart from these, faulty tooth filling is another cause for pain in tooth. Thus, toothache after filling is also reported by many who have undergone the procedure.

How to Get Rid of a Toothache Fast?

Tooth pain disturbs the normal well-being of an individual, in terms of eating, chewing and talking. Treatment for this problem varies according to the underlying cause. Although severe toothache cases require immediate attention by a dentist, there are certain things that one can practice at home to alleviate pain. Self care guidelines on how to get rid of a toothache at home are explained below:

Clean Teeth Properly
At the first signs of tooth pain, it is imperative for every person to floss and clean mouth thoroughly for prompt toothache cure. This will help in flushing off food particles that may be present in the corners of the teeth. First, rinse mouth with lukewarm water and then, gently brush teeth. Wash mouth and follow the same teeth cleaning after you have your meals.

Avoid Hot Foods
In most people having toothache, increased pain intensity is observed in responses to very hot and sweet food items. So, it is advisable to consume foods that are not too cold or too hot. Also, limit intake of sweet goodies, which again increases infection chances. If you have them, make sure you floss teeth as soon as possible.

Apply Ice pack
The best way to get instant toothache relief is applying ice pack in the aching tooth. Ice numbs the area, thus reducing pain perception. This is the main reason why, many dentists recommend having ice creams at times of toothache and alike conditions. You can place ice cubes in a clean cloth and place over the affected tooth.

Don't Pressurize Teeth
Some patients notice tooth pain, only when the pressure is applied to a tooth or teeth in doubt. If the same case is applicable to you, refrain from doing things that puts extra pressure to the teeth. So, avoid masticating hard foods, chewing with the affected tooth and having chewing gum. It is best to have soft foods that require less chewing.

Gargle with Salt Water
How to handle toothache during pregnancy? Being a frequently manifested condition amongst expecting mothers, 'how to get rid of a toothache while pregnant' is a common query. You can consider gargling with salt water. Add a pinch of salt in lukewarm water and gargle with it. Using saline water is effectual for toothache pain relief and at the same time, reduces the risk of tooth infection.

Use Clove Oil
Using clove oil for tooth pain is effective in alleviating painful symptoms. Having natural analgesic properties, it can be used alone or mixed with any of the ingredients - pepper powder, oregano oil and olive oil. You can dip a cotton ball in the oil or mixture and place it over the aching tooth. Repeat this 2-3 times daily for best results.

Other Remedies
Other effectual toothache home remedies are chewing guava leaves, chewing fresh spinach leaves, using crushed garlic clove and applying a mixture of pepper powder and table salt. Last but not the least, chewing raw onion for a few minutes is a good remedy for toothache. Onion possesses antibacterial properties and is effective for killing bacteria.

Since you now know what to do for a toothache, take action immediately for getting prompt results. As you follow proper dental care and above tips on how to get rid of a toothache, most probably the pain intensity will decrease gradually. If the symptoms persist even after 1-2 days, better consult a dentist. Based on the medical history and underlying cause, the doctor will recommend pain medicines in appropriate dosage for treating the tooth pain.