Tooth aches
Most people today are prone to the problem of tooth ache. Quite evidently, each day, we see more people visiting dentists. Looking into reasons why tooth ache could be caused, it is because of the way teeth react to a mechanism called decay. Tooth decay could be the result of many elements. Mouth is a place with constant in and out flow of air and water and then, bacteria. Many micro-organisms thrive in our mouth while we inhale, exhale, secrete saliva and during various other metabolic activities. Micro organisms need food too. Most micro-organisms that live in your mouth survive on the sugars and starches extracted out of the food we consume. These bacteria form a sticky plaque that clings to the surface of your teeth. This plaque causes your tooth to decay. Decay here means that the calcium in your teeth starts to undergo chemical reactions and keeps losing its natural structure and composition. As a result your teeth keep getting weaker and weaker before you realize the pain.
Tooth decay could be caused by four potential reasons. It could be formation of caries on the tooth surface: that will be ‘enamel’ or ‘dentin’. It could be due to caries causing bacteria. There could be carbohydrates or fats in the food you consume that can undergo fermentation reactions, that is, biological or chemical decomposition and lead to tooth decay. Lastly and most importantly, time. If you give enough time for the bacteria and the micro organisms to thrive on your teeth they will easily gain control over your teeth. This is what precisely causes tooth decay.
How do you know that you are prone to tooth decay?
You immediately know that you are having tooth decay when you find difficulty chewing foods or liquids which are moderately hot or cold or sweets too sometimes.
Prevention is better than cure. It could sometimes be late before you see your dentist. Here’s what you could do without having to worry at the peak time:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water—Warm water is proved to be more effective in taking away the plaque and any other sticky substances in your mouth especially the part that is stuck in the unreachable portions of your teeth.
- Use dental floss to remove any food particles wedged between your teeth—This is because often there are food materials which are stuck which could chemically affect your teeth directly or even if they don’t, over a period of time, if you don’t clean them within a few hours, they biologically transform and begin to stick to the teeth and cause cavity.
- You could try applying OTC antiseptic or clove oil to the irritated teeth in order to get temporary relief from the pain. However watch out while placing painkillers directly because they could cause your gums to have a burning sensation.
- You could immediately know when you have a teeth infection if you are having foul taste, or your gums get red. Other obvious observations could be pain, swelling and tooth injuries.
You must immediately see your dentist when:
- There is prolonged pain in spite of taking enough care for two days.
- Toothache is accompanied by a fever.
- Swallowing food or breathing becomes even mildly difficult.