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Normally, the body's natural defences work hand in hand with good oral health practices like daily brushing and flossing to keep unruly bacteria at bay. However, when these defences aren't backed up by proper oral hygiene, bacteria can grow unchecked. This leads to oral problems like cavities and gum issues. That's why it is super important to understand dental problems and solutions. Before this, let's know what dental disease is in detail.
What is a Dental Disease? A dental disease is a medical condition that affects the teeth, gums, or related structures in the mouth. These diseases can be minor, such as cavities and gingivitis, to more severe conditions, like periodontal disease and oral cancer. Dental diseases can cause pain and discomfort and may even impact a person's overall health if left untreated.
What are the Types of Dental Disease?
Here are some common types of dental diseases:
- Cavities (Dental Caries)
- Gingivitis
- Periodontal Disease (Periodontitis)
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Tooth Abscess
- Oral Cancer
- Tooth Erosion
- Halitosis (Bad Breath)
- Dental Trauma
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding).
Common Problems Associated with Teeth and Gums and their Causes
Dental problem is not limited to toothache, but it covers various common problems associated with teeth and gums. Let’s check them out, along with their causes.
Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acid, which erodes the tooth enamel over time. Poor oral hygiene, a sugary diet and acidic foods increase the risk of tooth decay.
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Bacterial plaque buildsup along the gumline can lead to gingivitis. It is the early stage of gum disease. If ignored, it can progress to periodontitis. Smoking, careless oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions are risk factors.
Tooth Sensitivity
Exposed dentin (the sensitive layer beneath the enamel) can lead to tooth sensitivity. This exposure can result from gum recession, tooth erosion from acidic foods or beverages, or teeth grinding.
Toothache
Toothaches can be due to various factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, abscesses, cracked teeth, or dental trauma.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Persistent bad breath can result from poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, or certain foods. It's often linked to the presence of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Gum Recession
Gum recession may be due to gum disease, aggressive brushing, or genetic factors. It exposes the tooth roots and can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Tooth Erosion
Acidic foods and drinks, frequent vomiting (as in bulimia), or acid reflux can lead to tooth erosion, gradually removing the enamel.
Tooth Grinding (Bruxism)
Teeth grinding, often during sleep, can result from stress, misaligned teeth, or an abnormal bite. It can lead to tooth wear, sensitivity, and jaw pain.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can become impacted (unable to emerge fully) due to lack of space in the jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth is quite painful and lead to swelling.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Dry mouth can result from various factors, including medications, medical conditions, or radiation therapy. Saliva helps in maintaining oral health.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can develop due to genetic factors, tobacco and alcohol use, and exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV).
Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discolouration can occur due to ageing, smoking, consumption of staining foods and beverages, and certain medications.
Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)
Oral thrush is a fungal infection often linked to a weakened immune system, certain medications (such as antibiotics or corticosteroids), or poorly fitting dentures.
10 Home Remedies for Toothache
If you are looking for a teeth problem solution, here is a home remedy for toothache.
1. Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater rinse is a great way to treat a toothache. It works because salt water is a natural disinfectant that helps remove food particles stuck between your teeth. This rinse can also reduce inflammation or swelling and heal wounds. To use it, mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass full of lukewarm water and use it to rinse your mouth just as a mouthwash.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
A hydrogen peroxide rinse can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It kills bacteria, reduces plaque, and can help heal bleeding gums. To use it, mix equal parts of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide and water and use it to rinse your mouth like a mouthwash. Don't swallow it.
3. Cold Compress
If your toothache is owing to an injury, cold compressing can reduce pain as well as swelling. Applying a cold compress constricts blood vessels and eases pain. Hold a towel-wrapped ice pack to the sore area for 20 minutes at a time, repeating every few hours.
4. Peppermint Tea Bags
Tea bags, preferably peppermint tea bags, can make the gums numb and soothe them. Keep a slightly warm tea bag on the painful area. You can also place the tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes before using it on your tooth.
5. Garlic
Garlic is used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It has antibacterial properties and can relieve pain. Crush a garlic clove, make it into a paste, and apply it to the sore area. Chewing a fresh garlic clove slowly also helps.
6. Vanilla Extract
If you feel like unbearable tooth pain, what to do- then vanilla extract is your saviour. Vanilla extract contains alcohol that numbs the pain. It's also an effective healer due to its antioxidant properties. Apply a small amount of real vanilla extract to the painful area a few times a day.
7. Thyme
Thyme has antiseptic and antifungal properties. To create a mouthwash, mix a single drop of thyme essential oil with a glass full of water. Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in a mixture of thyme essential oil and water, then apply it to the painful tooth.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel, known for healing burns and cuts, can clean and soothe gums. Studies show it has natural antibacterial qualities that can combat tooth decay. Apply the gel to the painful area and gently massage.
9. Guava
Guava leaves and bark may have antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. You can make a decoction from guava root and leaves to relieve toothache.
10. Toothache Tree (Spilanthes Africana)
The toothache tree has a pleasant peppermint taste and possesses various medicinal qualities. It can provide instant relief for toothache and minor tooth fractures. You can apply these teeth pain killer home remedies directly to the affected tooth or you can use it as a mouthwash.
When to See a Doctor?
If your tooth hurts a lot or you have these problems, you should see a doctor immediately:
- Very bad and lasting pain
- Fever
- Hard to breathe or swallow
- Your face is puffy
- The continuous odour from the mouth
- Hurts when you bite
- Gums look very red and swollen
- Bad taste
- Pus
How to Stop Tooth Pain Fast at Home?
You can apply a saltwater rinse or cold compress to reduce pain and inflammation or use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Dental problems can strike when you least expect them, and the consequences can be more than just physical pain; they can also impact your financial well-being. Sometimes, home remedies for tooth cavity pain don't work. The fear of a toothache is not just the fear of pain; it's the fear of mounting bills and uncertainty about the future.
This is where health insurance becomes your crucial lifeline. Health insurance is not only for protecting your wallet; it's about ensuring you can access the care you need precisely when needed. It provides a safety net, making dental check-ups, treatments, and even unforeseen dental emergencies accessible and affordable. At Care Health Insurance, we cater to your insurance-specific needs with our comprehensive plans. You get to choose from multiple options at an affordable rate as well. So, why are you waiting for? You can allow our experts to guide you through the process of getting a planned and secured future.
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
