Causes of Toothaches

Toothaches have many causes, from gum disease to jaw clenching, but tooth root sensitivity can also cause a tooth to ache.

The tooth root includes the lower two-thirds of the tooth, and it is usually buried in the jawbone. But when gum disease develops, the bacteria that cause the disease can also dissolve the bone around the tooth root. The combination of dissolved bone and receding gums means that more of the tooth root is exposed. Without protection from healthy gums and healthy bone, the root often becomes sensitive to hot and cold and to sour foods.In some cases, the sensitivity is so severe that you may avoid very hot, cold or sour foods.

If the root exposure is not severe, try using a special toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth that contains fluoride and other minerals. The extra fluoride and minerals will help to strengthen the exposed root and make it less sensitive.

The best way to manage root sensitivity and to prevent gum disease with a consistent oral health care program of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Try a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums, which can increase the risk of root exposure and sensitivity

Pregnancy Gingivitis and Pregnancy Tumors

Pregnancy gingivitis is caused by the hormonal changes that increase the blood flow to the gum tissue and cause your gums to be more sensitive, irritable, and swollen This makes it easier for plaque to build up on your teeth and makes you more susceptible to gingivitis.

Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk for developing oral health problems like gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and Periodontitis (gum disease). As a result of varying hormone levels, 40% of women will develop gingivitis sometime during their pregnancy — a condition called pregnancy gingivitis.

The increased level of progesterone in pregnancy may make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow, as well as make gum tissue more sensitive to plaque and exaggerate the body’s response to the toxins (poisons) that result from plaque. In fact, if you already have significant gum disease, being pregnant may make it worse.

Pregnancy Gingivitis Symptoms

Gingivitis is most common during months two to eight of pregnancy. Tell your dental professional when you are pregnant—he or she may recommend more frequent dental cleanings during the second trimester or early in the third trimester to help combat the effects of increased progesterone and help you avoid gingivitis. This extra plaque may cause swelling, bleeding, redness and/or tenderness in the gums. As a result, pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis even if they follow a consistent oral health care routine.

Pregnancy Gingivitis Treatments and Prevention

To control the amount of plaque in your mouth and to prevent gingivitis, follow these steps to reduce the bacteria that can lead to pregnancy gingivitis.

Steps to Prevent Pregnancy Gingivitis

• Brush twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night
• Take your time; you should spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth
• Be sure to use anti-plaque toothpaste to help protect your teeth from decay and gingivitis
• Rinse thoroughly after brushing to get rid of bacteria in hard-to-reach places
• Remember to floss daily to help avoid the build-up of bacteria
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet; be sure that you are getting enough calcium, vitamins D, C and A, phosphorous and protein.
• Avoid sugary snacks
• Continue to visit your dental professional regularly (once it is safe for the baby)

Gum Diseases, also known as periodontal diseases, are usually caused by a build-up of bacteria and plaque that inflames and infects the gums. Plaque is a clear film on the teeth to which bacteria sticks, and if it’s not removed with brushing and flossing, it will turn into a hard material called tartar. Tartar and bacteria deposits around and under the gum line are the main causes of periodontal diseases.

There are two types of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

• Gingivitis is a milder form of gum disease, in which gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily.
• Periodontitis is a much more serious oral health condition in which the inflammation spreads deep below the gum line and involves the bone and tissues that hold teeth in place. Periodontitis can cause deep pockets of infection, which may result in the loss of teeth and their surrounding bone if it’s left untreated.

Fortunately, there are several procedures available to treat these oral health problems, depending on the severity of the disease.

The primary goal of any treatment for periodontal disease is to control and eliminate the tartar and bacterial infection around the teeth and under the gums. Treatments range from deep cleanings to oral surgery.

Periodontal Disease Prevention

• Brush your teeth after every meal.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Get regular dental checkups and cleanings.

Overview

A filling is used to treat a small hole, or cavity, in a tooth. To repair a cavity, a dentist removes the decayed tooth tissue and then fills the space with a filling material.

Causes

Tooth decay is damage to a tooth that can happen when harmful bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the outer layer of the tooth called enamel. This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity. More severe decay can cause a large hole or even destruction of the entire tooth. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently—for example, if you eat or drink often, especially foods or drinks containing sugar and starches—the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost. This is a sign of early decay.

Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity.

Treatment

There are several types of filling material currently available to repair cavities, including tooth- colored (composite) fillings and silver-colored (amalgam) fillings. Composite resin materials are increasingly used to fill teeth because many people prefer tooth-colored fillings and because composites continue to improve.

There are also treatments called crowns, used to repair badly broken-down teeth. Crowns can be made of Ceramic (tooth colored), gold or other metals like stainless steel (usually used on baby teeth). Ceramic is the most common material because of good strength and aesthetics.

Generally, dental fillings and crowns do not last a lifetime.

Overview

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the back of the throat. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects more than twice as many men as women. Most oral cancers are related to tobacco use, alcohol use (or both), or infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Causes

Tobacco and alcohol use. Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarette smoking, puts you at risk for developing oral cancers. Heavy alcohol use also increases the risk. Using both tobacco and alcohol increases the risk even further.

HPV. Infection with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus has been linked to oral cancers.

Age. Oral cancers most often occur in people over the age of 40.

Sun Exposure. Cancer of the lip can be caused by sun exposure.

Diet. A diet low in fruits and vegetables may play a role in oral cancer development.

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see a dentist or a doctor.

• A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat
• A white or red patch in your mouth
• A feeling that something is caught in your throat
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue
• Swelling in your jaw
• Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth
• Pain in one ear without hearing loss

Diagnosis

Because oral cancer can spread quickly, early detection is important. The exam is painless and takes only a few minutes. During the exam, your dentist or dental hygienist will check your face, neck, lips, and entire mouth for possible signs of cancer.

Treatment

When oral cancer is detected early, it is treated with surgery or radiation therapy. Oral cancer that is further along when it is diagnosed may use a combination of treatments.Your doctor may refer you to a specialist.Other health care professionals who may be part of a treatment team include dentists, plastic surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, speech pathologists, oncology nurses, registered dietitians, and mental health counselors.

Ques-Why do we need toothpaste to brush our teeth?

Ans-Toothpaste is a medium which helps to clean our teeth by foaming action and aids in getting rid of bacteria, lodged food particles, debris and stains between the teeth.

Ques- How much toothpaste should be used every day?

Ans-For proper and efficient cleaning of teeth, only a pea sized amount is sufficient.

Ques- Can we use mouthwash instead of a toothpaste?

Ans– No, not at all. Mouthwash can just freshen your breath and has an antibacterial action for a little time but can’t remove the food particles and debris.

Ques-Can we use medicated toothpastes for long term?

Ans-No, medicated toothpastes should be used only after consulting your dentist for specific problem. These should be used till the time they are prescribed for. Otherwise, they can have adverse effects too.

Ques- Choosing a right toothpaste-a dilemma?

Ans– You have to know your teeth in order to pick toothpaste that is right for you.

After all, nobody knows your teeth better than a dentist!

Most importantly, the type of paste you use won’t make much of a difference if brushing technique is not followed.

Ques-Does the color coding on toothpaste signifies the composition?

Ans-No, they’re EYE MARKS/COLOR MARKS which are artefacts in the manufacturing process which help in identifying where product packaging is to be cut or folded.

Ques- What are the best natural alternatives for toothpaste and brush?

Ans– Neem twig(datun), Acacia (kikar/babool) are the best traditional well known natural cleaning aid for teeth from centuries in our culture. Even clinical researches have proven the same.

Ques- Do Whitening toothpastes bleach teeth?
Ans- Whitening toothpastes alone can’t make whiter teeth. They can help in maintaining the white smile achieved after in-office bleaching or take away home-bleaching kit.

Ques- Which brand of Toothpaste is best?

Ans– All the toothpaste brands are similar. You are safe to brush with quality IDA-approved standard toothpaste to maintain your teeth.

Bad breath or halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems.

All the food eaten begins to be broken down in your Mouth.

If you eat foods with strong odors (such as garlic or onions), brushing and flossing — even mouthwash helps to get rid of the odor temporarily.

The odor doesn’t go away completely until the foods have passed through your body.

If you don’t brush and floss teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath.

How to Prevent bad breath??

1. Practice good oral hygiene.
2. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque.
3. Brush teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch).
4. Don’t forget to brush the tongue.
5. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months or after an illness.
6. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between teeth once a day.
7. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day.
8. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.
9. See your dentist regularly — at least twice a year for oral examination and professional teeth cleaning and detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor.
10. Stop smoking and chewing tobacco-based products.
11. Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist.
12. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Gums and mints containing xylitol are best.
13. Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think they may be causing bad breath, bring the log to your dentist to review.
14. Make a list of the medications you take as drugs cause bad breath.

Dry mouth,  refers to a condition in which the salivary glands in your mouth don’t make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Dry mouth is often due to the side effect of certain medications or aging issues or as a result of radiation therapy for cancer. Less often, dry mouth may be caused by a condition that directly affects the salivary glands.

Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, limiting bacterial growth and washing away food particles. Saliva also enhances your ability to taste and makes it easier to chew and swallow. In addition, enzymes in saliva aids in digestion.

Decreased saliva and dry mouth can range from being merely a nuisance to something that has a major impact on your general health and the health of your teeth and gums, as well as your appetite and enjoyment of food.

Signs And Symptoms :

• Sensation of dryness in mouth or throat, and saliva that seems thick and stringy.
• Halitosis
• Difficulty in chewing, speaking and swallowing
• Alterations in sense of taste
• Discomfort when wearing dentures
• Frequent occurrences of tooth decay/dental caries
• Gum irritation and periodontal disease
• Dry or grooved tongue
• Mouth sores and dryness, cracked lips.

Causes

Dry mouth is caused when the salivary glands in the mouth don’t make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. These glands may not work properly as the result of:

• Medications like anti epileptics, anti cholinergics
• Aging
• Nerve damage
• Other health conditions like Cancer , HIV Infections etc.
• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Recreational drug use

Treatments:-Treatment is indicated according to the cause. Various treatment modalities are :

1. Change medications that cause dry mouth.
2. Recommend products to moisturize your mouth.
3. Prescribe medication that stimulates saliva production.
4. Protect your teeth by regular check ups
5. Sip water frequently
6. Chew sugar-free gums
7. Breathe through your nose, not your mouth
8. Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes

1. Cavity prevention

The whitish film that builds up on your teeth is called plaque and is the leading cause of tooth decay. This acidic substance eats away at the tooth and leads to cavities. Plaque can be removed by brushing, flossing and dental cleanings.

2. Stop tooth loss

Gum disease, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease advances, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can destroy the supporting bone in your jaw, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. The chance can be greatly reduced through regular dental cleanings combined with good oral hygiene habits.

3. Bright smile

Drinking coffee, tea and wine or using tobacco can stain your teeth. A dental cleaning removes stains and you get the clean polished teeth.

4. Fresh breath

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent persistent bad breath. Even if you brush and floss regularly, getting a cleaning is a great way to keep your mouth healthy.

5. Boost your overall health

Regular dental cleanings lower your risk for some diseases, like heart disease and stroke. Many life-threatening medical conditions can be detected in their early stages during a routine oral exam.

6. Save money

You may be able to save money in the long run by helping to protect your oral health and potentially avoiding more costly and extensive procedures.

How to get rid of stains?

Stained teeth can have several causes like poor oral hygiene, consumption of tobacco etc. So, it is important to change your habits in order to have a good smile. Get professional cleaning done and maintain hygiene.

 How to fight bad breath?

Foods like onion or garlic are notoriously known for causing bad breath. Other items that can be responsible for it are coffee, alcohol and cigarettes. Eating a healthy balanced diet, staying hydrated, washing your mouth at regular intervals, brushing right and giving up on smoking can help. Mouthwashes can help for transient time. Start flossing and cleaning tongue.

 Toothaches are really painful. What to do?

There can be causes like accidents or falls, misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth, gum disease, caries, etc. If your tooth is hurting, it is recommended that you visit a dentist to get relieved of your pain, instead of self medication.

 After how much time, toothbrush should be changed?

Replace your toothbrush when the bristles start splaying or bending, or every three months, whichever comes first.

    Why is smoking bad for my teeth?

Smoking or chewing tobacco can leave extrinsic stains on the enamel of the teeth. Tobacco contains staining elements that cause a gradual yellowing of teeth and affect the appearance of your teeth.

   What can be reason of dry mouth?

Dry mouth is not a disease, it’s a symptom of other diseases like diabetes, hypertension, Parkinson’s or a side effect of several medicines. A dry mouth can increase your risk for dental decay and fungal infections of the mouth.

 How many times should I brush?

While it is ideal to brush thrice a day, brushing twice everyday for 2 minutes can be sufficient to prevent germ build up and maintain good oral hygiene.