Tooth infection

Getting sick is one of the worst punishments that can afflict a human being. Although the public awareness at all time high because of both Governmental and personal efforts, 21^st June is being celebrated as International yoga day. Many people globally follow yoga or exercise routine and reap the benefits of health, both in mind and body.  

The medical science has advanced by leaps and bounds and globally longevity has increased.

But the diseases still has a way to creep in, one such trouble is tooth ache. One fine day you get up and find yourself having a persistent, throbbing toothache that is radiating towards the jaw line, neck or ear, you can be sure that your tooth has been infected. 

A tooth infection is a pus pocket caused by bacterial infection. It usually occurs as a result of untreated dental infection or injury.

What are the Symptoms?

Other symptoms are  

1. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperature
2. High temperature indicating an infection
3. Swelling in your face or cheek
4. Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting
5. And in certain cases difficulty in breathing or swallowing, indicating that the infection has spread deeper and it warrants immediate medical treatment. 

What is the primary cause?

The primary reason for this infection is when bacteria invade the dental pulp and the innermost part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. It leads to an abscess filled with pus. 

 Who are at risk?

 High quality dental care such as using fluoridated toothpaste, regular visits to the dentist and good eating and drinking habits reduce the incidents of toothache.  On the other hand people,

• Who have poor dental hygiene meaning not brushing their teeth twice a day or not flossing increase the chances of tooth infection
• Consume a diet rich in sugar, or eating sugary snacks between meals or taking sugar laced drinks expose themselves to the infection, as too much sugar in the oral cavity creates the environment for bacteria to flourish.
• Dry mouth on account of certain medications or on account of disease increases the chance of infection .

 How to prevent the infection?

 As the adage goes prevention is better than cure, a few good habits such as mentioned under would keep the tooth  healthy.

• Using fluoridated drinking water
• Using high quality toothpaste
• Brushing your teeth twice daily
• Eating healthy food and limiting the intake of snacks between meals.

What are the remedies?

One of these home remedies is also available for pericoronitis. Also check pericoronitis home remedy.

There are certain home remedies that you can try, they will alleviate the symptoms and in certain cases even cure them, but if the symptom persists expert dental care would be required as your dentist will drain the pus and possible carry out an RCT regime.

1. Use salt water to frequently cleanse and bath the area.
2. You can also use baking soda instead of Salt
3. Oregano oil is anti-bacterial in nature and applied topically to the infected part would help reduce the infection.
4. Thyme Oil also has properties similar to Oregano oil.
5. Consume two-three  cups of Fenugreek tea
6. Clove oil has been traditionally used as an anti infectant and has analgesic properties.  Slightly warm it and apply it to the infected part.
7. Hydrogen peroxide is used topically to local injuries or wounds, it can also be applied to the tooth for 5-10 minutes and then rinsed with warm water.

Tooth aches are extremely troublesome as the pain infects the part of the body close to the brain, however  they can be treated with ease by a qualified dentist.