Toothaches can be one of the most irritating things because of how much pain it can cause, it is almost enough to drive you crazy. The worst part about a really bad toothache is the constant throbbing that never seems to go away. It seems like every time you breathe or move the pain intensifies, no matter how hard you try to avoid the tooth that hurts. Majority of the time this pain is caused by a cavity, but sometimes that pain can be caused from an abscess tooth or an injury to the mouth.

The only way to fix any of those problems is to go into the dentist, but even the best dentist might not be able to see you immediately. With a toothache sometimes even having to wait a day to get into your dentist can seem like forever. The good news is there are quite a few things you can try to help ease the pain until you can get into the dentist.

Tip one:

Try gently removing any food particles from the tooth with your toothbrush or dental floss. Afterwards swish some warm salt water around in your mouth to help ease the pain and to make sure that all of the food particles have been removed. The good thing with the warm salt water is it can be done as often as necessary.

Tip two:

When you are eating try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Also try to stay away from foods that are very hot or very cold as this could cause the tooth to hurt even more. Also sticking with soft foods will help to avoid putting pressure on the tooth. Be sure to gently brush your teeth after eating to avoid having food particles stuck in the tooth.

Tip three:

Try putting a cotton ball soaked in clove oil directly on the tooth. Clove oil has soothing and infection-fighting properties that might help to relieve the pain. If this makes your tooth ache worse immediately remove the cotton ball and rinse your mouth really good with warm salt water.

Tip four:

You can also try placing a tea bag between the infected tooth and your cheek or holding the tea bag gently between your teeth.

Tip five:

A tried and true method is using an ice pack. You can use frozen vegetables in a bag, a zip lock sandwich bag with a few ice cubes, or a regular ice pack to help provide relief. Simply hold the ice pack on the outside of the cheek closest to the tooth that hurts.

Tip six:

You can also use over the counter topical medications that contain numbing medications. The medication used to numb the tooth can be lidocaine or benzocaine. Orajel is an over the counter product that you apply directly to the tooth and it usually provides instant relief.

Tip seven:

You can also take over the counter pain relievers such as aspirin, Tylenol, and ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is probably the best choice because it contains an anti-inflammatory that will reduce any swelling in your gums, as well as provide pain relief. Some people might recommend that you chew the pain relievers or rub it on your gums, but do not do this as it can cause new or further injury to the gums.

Tip eight:

If the pain does not get better or just continues to get worse you can go to the nearest emergency room to get prescription painkillers.

Regardless of what method or methods you use to help relieve the pain you need to get into the dentist as soon as possible. Remember when going to see the dentist be sure to tell him about anything you did to help relieve the pain.

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As a dentist and a mother of two little boys, I am constantly bombarded with questions from parents about their children’s teeth. There seems to be a huge lack of compiled information on the subject. While I have seen plenty of information for parents and caregivers on cord care, rashes and behavioral techniques, I have yet to see a comprehensive guide on the development and care of children’s teeth. And, unfortunately, your children’s teeth are a huge part of their childhood and will have an enormous impact on their adult lives. Misinformation or lack of knowledge can cause frustrating experiences during these critical times. It can make parents feel unsure of what to do when there dentist suggests certain treatment or diagnosis. It can also just leave parents feeling confused or unsure of curious dental questions which always seem to arise through the child’s growing years.

Infants begin the process of teething around 3-4 months old, until the first tooth makes its appearance around 6-7 months old. This long and sometimes tumultuous process will lay the foundation for many years to come. Did you know that babies are not born with the bacteria that cause cavities? Did you know that when we kiss and coo near our babies mouths that we introduce cavity causing bacteria to them, exposing them to possible tooth decay? By keeping those slobbery but wonderful kisses to a minimum, we may be able to delay tooth decay much longer in our kids.

Have you ever heard the popular myth, “Baby teeth can’t be important, they are just going to fall out anyway?” This all too popular belief among the dentally unaware is a huge cause for the many preventable dental problems with children’s teeth today. Baby teeth are extremely important to tooth position of the permanent teeth and can also play a large role in the future facial appearance of a child. They may determine whether or not a child will need braces or head-gear. Early orthodontic planning and treatment can save parents thousands of dollars later.

And, for those parents who cannot afford braces, early dental evaluation could yield less expensive solutions just by using alternative treatment while in the baby teeth years. This early intervention could save your child from being embarrassed of their smile as or wear braces as an adult. So how early should children’s teeth be placed in braces? Well, there are a multitude of factors to be considered and all are dependent on the dental situation as a child. After years of research, we now know that once children reach the age of puberty, conservative orthodontics is much more difficult. So, it is not uncommon or outrageous to evaluate and start simple orthodontic care as early as age 7, to help avoid more extensive orthodontics later.

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Oil pulling is known as Gandusha or Kavala Graha in the Ayurvedic treatment text. This procedure is believed to be the pulling out of toxins or the Ama and also enhance the immunity and health of oral cavity.

Gandusha and Kavala Graha are two primary gargling techniques suggested in Ayurvedic treatments for oral care. In Gandusha, the mouth and oral cavity is completely filled with liquid and then released after holding it for some time. In Kavala Graha, a comfortable amount of liquid is retained with the mouth for about 3 minutes, and then gargles are performed.

Gandusha or the Gargles

Ayurveda recommends gargles with oil, herbs and warm water. Oil is to be filled in the mouth to the level that it cannot be moved in the mouth. Sesame seed oil, coconut oil and ghee are traditionally used for Ayurvedic treatments of Oil Pulling. This process of Gandusha is believed to save from dryness of the lips and oral cavity, sore throat and dental maladies.

These are mainly of 4 types – Sneha, Shamana, Shodhana and Ropana.

How to Perform Gandusha and Kavala?

Ayurveda suggests that you need to give a gentle massage to the forehead prior to commencing the procedure of oil pulling. Also, during the act, the mouth needs to be kept upwards and the liquid, herbal decoction or oil should not be ingested in the process. This may be performed by placing a tablespoon of the oil into the mouth and swishing the oil around the mouth for approximately 10-15 minutes, holding it there and then spitting it out.

How long to hold the Oil for Oil Pulling?

Ayurveda recommends that the gargle liquid or decoction used for oil pulling in the form of Gandusha or Kavala, needs to held in the mouth for as long as saliva tends to fill the mouth to the brim and mixes into the herb decoction. Also until there is watering from the eyes and nasal cavity and the (bitter) taste of the decoction seems to be overcome with saliva or Kapha formation. This is generally advised to be repeated for three, five or seven times.

Varied types of Ayurvedic Treatments of Oil Pulling for Oral Health

• When performed with til taila or the oil of sesame seeds, this procedure is believed to be highly beneficial for the general natural wellbeing of an individual.

• Sometimes when there is burning sensation in the mouth or tongue due to burning or bruise in the oral cavity, oil pulling or Gandusha is performed with ghee mixed in milk. This is believed to leave a soothing and calming effect onto the oral cavity.

• In dental conditions of pain in the teeth, weak and sensitive teeth and other Vata disorders of the teeth and gums, this procedure is performed with paste made out of grinding sesame seeds. Although in this case, the gargle liquid that is being used needs to be warmed prior to use.

• Ayurveda also recommends honey based Gandusha oils for thorough cleansing and healing of the mouth.

• Kanji, which is a fermented drink can be used to relieve foul smell and distaste of the mouth.

Benefits of Oil Pulling

Ayurvedic treatments of oil pulling are highly recommended both for preventing as well as curing teeth and gum diseases like sensitive teeth, dental cavities, bleeding gums, excessive salivation, anorexia, loss of taste, foul smell from the mouth, gingivitis and dryness of lips and mouth. These Ayurvedic remedies for oral health state that this process is capable of improving oral and overall systemic health. This helps to reduce the amount of germs in the mouth cavity and prevent bacterial growth. These Ayurvedic healthcare procedure also aids in decreasing fungal growth and provides thorough cleansing and detoxification of the oral cavity. Mainly when oil pulling is performed regularly, this is great help for strengthening of the teeth and gums and jaws.

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Teething

Teething is considered as one of the very first rituals of human beings. Though infants have no teeth yet, their teeth start to show when they are about six months old. In the first years of their life, all of their 20 baby teeth will push through the gums, and by age 3, most kids will have their full set of teeth. When a baby is about 6 months old, the four front teeth often push through the gums – though some children only have their first tooth when they are 12 to 14 months of age.

When their teeth begin to show, some babies become irritable, picky, and sleepless, drool more often, or lose their appetite. When babies are teething, they do not normally have diarrhea, fever or rashes. So, in case they are experiencing such symptoms and continue to be irritable and uneasy, consult your physician.

First Visit to the Dentist

Once the first tooth of your child appears, schedule a visit to the doctor. According to ADA, the first dental visit should take place within six months following the appearance of the first tooth, and not after the first birthday. Do not postpone it to the time they are about to start school or when there is a problem.

Teach your child to be comfortable with good dental habits. Usually, during the first visit, the dentist will just examine your child’s mouth to check the development of teeth, as well as make your child feel comfortable. To make dental visit more favorable:

• Schedule a daytime appointment so that the children are well rested and cooperative.
• Keep your concerns to yourself. Kids can easily sense your emotions, so give emphasis to the positive aspects.
• Never use a dental visit to punish/threat your child.
• Never use a dental visit as a bribe.
• Talk positively to your child about going to the dentist.

On your dental visit, expect the dentist to:

• Examine for oral problems or cavities;
• Reveal if there are any risks of developing tooth decay;
• Clean teeth and give tips for everyday care;
• Talk about teething, using a pacifier or thumb-sucking habits;
• Discuss necessary treatment and schedule the next appointment.

Fluoride

The mineral called fluoride naturally occurs in all sources of water, such as lakes, oceans and rivers. At times, it is also included in toothpaste, mouth rinse and a number of community tap water. Infants, as well as toddlers not getting enough fluoride may be more prone to tooth decay because fluoride protects the tooth enamel from it.

Fluoride also repairs weakened enamel. Since not all bottled water contains fluoride, children who regularly drink this or tap water without fluoride do not enjoy its benefits. If you in doubt whether or not your tap water contains fluoride, inquire from your local/state health department or water supplier.

Pacifiers

It is quite common for infants and younger children to suck on their thumb, finger or pacifier. When a pacifier is dipped in sweet food like honey, sugar and sweetened juice, this can cause tooth decay.

Tooth decay can start as well when saliva with cavity-causing bacteria is passed on from a mother or caregiver to the baby. Also, when either of them puts a baby’s feeding spoon or pacifier in their mouth, the bacteria can be transmitted to the baby.

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It is always recommended that we visit our dentists at least twice a year, regardless whether you have existing dental problems or not. This is to keep our teeth and gums healthy. However, dental checkups and services can be costly. What if you do not have budget for such thing? Then, it is important that you know how to find an affordable dentist in your area.

Having healthy gums and strong teeth are as important as having a good hygiene. Imagine if you have discolored teeth and crooked teeth, will you be able to smile? Of course not! With white and cavity-free teeth, you will have no problem showing your gorgeous smile. Not only it helps you look good, it also make you feel good, thus increase your self-confidence.

However, finding affordable dentist nowadays can be hard especially if you do not have dental insurance. That is why a lot of people would only visit the dentist when they already have serious problems, almost or too late.

So, here are some tips on how you could find an affordable dentist to help you out. Check out each of them to get low cost or even free dental checkups.

1. Visit your local dental societies. Check local societies in your area to gain access to nearby private clinics that offer affordable dentist and expensive dental care services. You may also want to call the ADA official site for a list of dental society records with their contact details.
2. Visit dental schools. Do not expect it like a clinic-type of service though. Being a teaching institution, you will be given attention from a knowledgeable and competent dental apprentice. Dental schools pay extra attention to dental care so they often offer free checkups or cheaper price. For more information, you may visit the American Dental Association website for a complete list of dental schools.
3. Obtain benefit of government lineup and financing. The Federal Health Resources and Service Administration provide line up along with its Bureau of Primary Health Care. The institution manages the organization of treatment centers nationwide. These clinics offers affordable dentist and even free medical and dental care services.

On the other hand, if you have all the requirements and the credentials for a discounted or no cost dental care for your state’s Medicaid plan, then you may want to avail it. The rules may vary from state to state though as some do not offer dental services. It is therefore important that you contact or visit the Medicaid website to find out more.

By following these tips, you will definitely find the right and most affordable dentist or dental clinics that will fit your budget.

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