The 3 Distinct Stages of Gum Disease

February 6, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The 3 Distinct Stages of Gum Disease

Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, believes that patients need to know the different stages of gum disease so that they can take the necessary steps to arrest the situation before it worsens. This article discusses the three distinct stages of gum disease that dentists at Dental One Care deal with among their patients.

Stage One of Gum Disease: Gingivitis

The first phase of gum disease is gingivitis. During this stage, your gums start to get irritated by the bacteria contained in the built-up plaque on your teeth. As a result of this irritation, your gums will start swelling and looking red. You may notice that your teeth bleed each time you floss or brush.

The best way to stop gingivitis is by stepping up your oral care routine at home. This includes brushing at least two times each day and flossing once a day. This oral care will remove plaque and stop tartar from forming on your teeth.

Stage Two of Gum Disease: Periodontitis

The second phase of gum disease is periodontitis. This second stage starts if you don’t treat gingivitis. Dr. Farhat explains that the bacteria growing in the plaque deposits start damaging the bone supporting your teeth as well as the connecting tissues surrounding your teeth. Consequently, your gums will begin detaching from the teeth and deep pockets will form between the teeth and gums. These pockets harbor even more bacteria, and your breath will develop an odor due to the effects of the toxic excreta of this bacteria. We asked our friend Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, about periodontitis. Dr. Cowen says, “This stage is a make or breaking point for many patients. You can either take the matter into your own hand and treat your gum disease or you can pay the consequences later on.” Dr. Cowen highly recommends treating gum disease right away.

At this point, you will need to see a Sterling Heights dentist to treat the gum disease because your oral care at home may not be sufficient to reverse the condition. Dr. Farhat and his team at Dental One Care will clean out the bacteria in the dental pockets and also clean below the gum line so that all the plaque and tartar can be removed. This will leave the teeth surfaces smooth and less susceptible to the growth of bacteria. The dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may also prescribe some antibiotics after the procedure to get rid of the bacteria.

Stage Three of Gum Disease: Advanced Periodontitis

When periodontitis is left untreated, it progresses to advanced periodontitis. At this point, the gum disease is at its most devastating stage. The disease will have several characteristics, such as pus between your gums and teeth, bad breath, swollen and red gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth and loss of supporting bone mass around the teeth.

You should never let gum disease progress to this level because once you start losing bone tissue, there is no turning back. Your teeth will also be exposed to other diseases and decay because they are exposed due to gum recession. Some of your teeth may also fall out as you eat or expose them to any impact.

Advanced periodontitis can be treated by conducting deep cleaning of your teeth. Dr. Farhat may also perform a root planing and scaling procedure to remove the bacteria lodged deep within your dental structures. The dentist will advise you about how many repeat cleaning sessions you should undergo at the dental office to tame the advanced periodontal disease.

As you can see, each stage of gum disease comes with its own symptoms and risks. Take prompt action once you suspect that you have gum disease. You can also visit Dental One Care for a thorough assessment by Dr. Farhat (Sterling Heights’ leading dentist) so that any dental problem you have is addressed immediately.

Benefits of Chewing Sugar-Free Gum

January 9, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Benefits of chewing sugar-free gum

Everybody thinks that oral hygiene is achieved by brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. While these actions can maintain excellent hygiene, there is one key component missing, that is your diet.

Decay and periodontal disease are a result of bacteria acting on specific types of food, releasing acids and causing all kinds of problems. So, to put it simply, if you don’t eat these foods, your chances of decay and gum disease are minimalized.

These kinds of harmful foods are mostly sugars, especially artificial sugars. And of course, gum. In general, gum is one of the most harmful types of food that you can consume. This is because it contains a great amount of sugar, in addition to being sticky, so its effect lasts much longer on the teeth and gums.

This is true for sugar-containing gum, but sugar-free gum is a whole different matter. Some studies suggest that chewing sugar-free gum frequently is not harmful, but beneficial.

Dr. Farhat of Dental One Care, your local dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains the numerous benefits of chewing sugar-free gum.

Sugar-Free Gum Washes Away Bacteria

A number of studies state that chewing sugar-free gum can wash away harmful bacteria, which lead to a decrease in decay and periodontal disease. This is true because of the stickiness of the gum, so the bacteria sticks to it and is removed when the gum is disposed of.

Sugar-Free Gum Increases the Production of Saliva:

We all produce saliva on a regular basis. It’s actually a key role in our oral hygiene. Eating anything would cause an increase in saliva production. We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about the benefits of sugar-free gum. Dr. Dhoon says that an important benefit of chewing gum is that it increases saliva. Increased production of saliva has many benefits which include:

Saliva Treats Dry Mouth:

Dry mouth is a condition when saliva production is reduced, causing your mouth to feel prickly and dry. Chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production and in turn, decreases dry mouth effects.

Saliva Reduces Decay:

As explained, saliva has a key role in preventing decay. This is due to the watery nature of the saliva that tends to wash away the bacteria causing the decay.

Saliva Strengthens Tooth Enamel:

Saliva is loaded with minerals, either from the diet or from drinking water. When saliva production is increased, these minerals stay in contact with the tooth enamel longer, strengthening it and protecting it from decay.

Sugar-Free Gum Reduces Tooth Sensitivity

In addition to being alkaline in nature, saliva acts as a buffer, shielding the tooth from harmful acids that could cause sensitivity.

Does this mean that sugarless gum is a substitute for normal brushing and flossing regimens?

Dr. Farhat says absolutely not! There is simply no substitute for the good ole brush and floss and toothpaste. Sugar-free gum certainly helps their job become easier, but in no way should be considered sufficient alone.

How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

December 28, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

People who’ve had a tooth extracted may have heard of dry socket before. Dry socket is a common complication that occurs after a tooth is extracted. So what is dry socket and why should you do everything possible to prevent it after a tooth extraction? Read on and learn how to prevent dry socket after wisdom tooth removal.

What Dry Socket Is

Dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, describes a painful condition that results when the blood clot covering a tooth extraction site is dislodged before the underlying nerve tissues and bone have healed. The premature loss of this protective clot lengthens the healing time and results in a lot of discomfort and pain.

How Do Know You Have Dry Socket?

Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains that it ’s normal to feel some pain after having your wisdom teeth removed surgically. However, this pain is transient and ends a few days after the extraction.

So, patients can suspect that they have dry socket if they experience intense pain that spreads to the face and head days after the surgery. Bad breath may also indicate that one has dry socket, especially if they don’t have a history of halitosis.

The professionals at Dental One Care also advise that patients observe the surgical site in a mirror. Dry socket should be suspected if the surgical site is fully or partially empty (lacking the blood clot which formed after the surgery).

How to Prevent Dry Socket

Don’t use drinking straws. The suction force created as one is using a straw can easily dislodge the blood clot at the tooth extraction site. Dr. Farhat, therefore, recommends that you refrain from using a straw for at least one week after you have had a tooth extracted. That abstinence will allow the site to heal under the protection provided by the blood clot.

Opt for softer foods. It is also wise to opt for soft foods during the days following tooth extraction. The soft foods will cause less stress on the surgical site as you eat. For example, eat mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup in the first two or so days after the surgery. Try harder foods later and revert to the soft ones if you feel pain.

Refrain from tobacco use or smoking. We asked our friend, Dr. Dennis Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI about how to prevent dry socket. Dr. Laurich says that the risk of dry socket increased threefold for smokers when compared to non-smokers. He says this is because the act of smoking entails a sucking force that can dislodge the blood clot at the surgical site. Additionally, the chemicals in the tobacco and any other substance that one may smoke can also interfere with the body’s healing processes, such as causing the clot to dissolve prematurely. You should work with your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, to find a way to reduce or abstain from smoking and the use of tobacco until you have healed after wisdom tooth extraction.

Be meticulous in your oral hygiene. Another tip for those who want to learn how to prevent dry socket is that they should be particular about their oral hygiene during this healing period. Oral germs can prevent a blood clot from forming, or they can break it down once it forms. Talk to your Sterling Heights dentist about how you should brush your teeth, as well as the use of antibacterial mouthwash that may be helpful in preventing infection while you heal.

Talk to the dentist about other medications. Discuss any medications that you are currently taking as you prepare for surgery to remove wisdom teeth. You should also consult your dentist in case any medication is prescribed for another condition within the time that you are healing after undergoing tooth extraction surgery. For example, oral contraceptives have been linked to causing dry socket.

Call a dentist in Sterling Heights, such as Dr. Farhat, if you suspect that you have a dry socket. The Dental One Care team will advise you about what you should do next. Otherwise, do everything you can to implement the advice given above on how to prevent dry socket.

Tips to Protect Your Smile During the Holidays

December 19, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Tips to Protect Your Smile During the Holidays

The holiday bells have started to ring. It is a calling to indulge in sweet treats and pleasures. We all love to eat lots of irresistible sweet delights during the holiday season. But have you ever thought about how it could affect your beautiful smile?

Eating too many sweet, decadent desserts, sticky and crunchy snacks can affect your oral health if you do not take appropriate precautionary measures to protect them.

Here are some easy tips to protect your smile during the holidays. Follow these tips from Dr. Farhat, your local dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, and you will surely have healthy teeth to show off this holiday season.

Keep Desserts Simple and Single

It is a wonderful time for candies and mouth-watering desserts when you get to have all sorts of candies around you. Dr. Farhat from Dental One Care that nonstop sweets buffet can wreak havoc on your teeth. Take a single sweet at a time and brush immediate to keep your teeth sparkling and free of harmful bacteria.

Avoid Unnecessary Snacking for Good Oral Health

Avoid taking junk, crunchy and sticky snacks when you are outside shopping or relaxing on your couch. These stick to your teeth and become a cause of bacterial growth in your mouth if you don’t brush properly afterward.

Follow Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Do not compromise your brushing routine during the holidays. Your holiday schedule can upset your brushing routine, but try to ardently stick to it. Keep a brush and small-sized toothpaste in your purse or car wherever you go. If it’s not possible to brush your teeth after every meal, take sugarless chewing gums which increase the production of saliva in your mouth. This helps remove the food bits and more.

Stick to your Dental Appointment with Your Sterling Heights Dentist

If you have your dental examination due during the holidays with a Sterling Heights, MI Dentist, stick to it. It will help detect any problems before they aggravate due to the excessive consumption of sweets and junk food in the holiday season. Give yourself a motivational boost to attend the appointment by considering it as a celebration of your good oral regime.

Use Baking Soda to Brush Your Teeth

Keep a small jar beside your toothpaste filled with baking soda. Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on your toothpaste when you apply it on your brush. Regular use of soda will help dissolve any remaining particles and teeth stains. Use it once a week otherwise, it can dissolve your tooth enamel.

Try to Eat Calcium and Fiber-rich Foods

We asked our friend Dr. Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO for his diet recommendations during the holidays. Dr. Dhoon said to try and include calcium and fiber-rich foods in your holiday diet. Make different salads with green leafy vegetables, apples, bananas, beans, and other fruits and vegetables. This will not just make your holiday meal table colorful, but will also help keep your teeth healthy.

Be Prepared

If you plan to travel during the holidays, keep a dental floss, teeth gauze and some pain-relieving medications in your bag. This will help you deal effectively with any minor dental issues if any arise.

Ask the Dentist: Waterpik vs. Flossing

November 16, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The Differences Between Waterpik and Flossing

A healthy smile is important for more than just cosmetic reasons. Yes, it looks good but ensuring you keep good oral hygiene is important so you don’t develop cavities or gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to heart problems so oral hygiene is vital for your overall health.

Most people think that just brushing their teeth gets the job done. While it is good practice to brush your teeth twice a day, the process doesn’t completely remove all food particles from the mouth. Food particles and plaque build up in the little gap between your teeth and under the gum, a brush isn’t enough to target these areas. That is why all dentists in Sterling Heights, MI and the American Dental Association recommend flossing every day.

When it comes to flossing, you have two options either use a floss or Waterpik. But how can you decide without knowing the pros and cons of each? We have you covered, we have the insights from Sterling Heights dentists that will help you choose which is a better option for you.

Waterpik vs Flossing, Which is Better for You?

Waterpik

Waterpik uses water to rid plaque and food particle between teeth and under the gum. Also, known as oral irrigators or dental water, the process uses pressurized water stream to get the job done.

Who is Waterpik recommended for?

Flossing may be hard if individuals:

have braces
have crowns
have bridgework done
have dental implants

Waterpik may also be recommended for those individuals with arthritis or anyone that finds it difficult to use a string floss.

Benefits of Waterpik

Waterpik makes it easier to reach tightly packed spaces between your teeth. Spaces where you may have trouble squeezing in a floss. Flosses are thin but at times a lot of effort is needed to squeeze them in tighter spaces which results in the application of a lot of force. Due to the force, the floss may be jammed into your gum and it starts to bleed. With a water pick, the stream of water can easily maneuver through the tight space and clean it.

The process is much easier than flossing. It may take a little time for you to fiddle with the settings and get that right but the application of Waterpik is easy. You just need to make sure that you clean all sides of each tooth with it and do it slowly. There are no risks to using Waterpik.

Disadvantages of Waterpik

While the process is easy to use, it may not be as effective at getting plaque out as compared to flossing. It can loosen plaque but the pressure isn’t enough to completely get the plaque out. That is why some use a floss to get rid of loosened plaque after using a Waterpik. The technology is also a lot more expensive than dental floss.

Flossing

Dental floss has been a practice to clean teeth since prehistoric times while it wasn’t patented until the 1870s. Floss was initially made out of silk until the second World War when nylon replaced silk. You can find floss pre-cut, long strands, flavored, and in different varieties.

Who is floss recommended for?

Floss is recommended for everyone, it should be a part of your daily oral hygiene.

Benefits of floss

Floss is a great way to target food particle, plaque, and bacteria between the teeth. It allows you to target the plaque and get rid of it before it turns into tartar. Using a floss gives you more control over the cleaning process. You can exert more force and maneuver the floss in the direction that you want to get the right angle for cleaning.

Disadvantages of floss

It may be difficult at times to reach areas that are too tightly packed with the floss. If you go too far down in your gum with the floss it can result in your gums bleeding. So you need to be careful and do the process slowly.

Once you are done flossing, it is recommended that you rinse your mouth with water to get any loose particle of plaque out.

When it comes to picking between the two, it all depends on which of the two you are more comfortable with. Many find it easier to just floss their teeth after they brush, it requires a bit more effort but you have complete control over the process. Dr. Dhoon at Greeley Dental Care agrees that floss is also more effective at getting rid of plaque. If you are too lazy to floss on your and need something easier to use then Waterpik is the next best option. Either way, one of the two should be a part of your oral hygiene regimen to ensure your smile stays healthy.

Are Oral Health Issues Genetic?

October 3, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Are oral health issues genetic?

Should you thank (or blame) your parents for the state of your dental health? In other words, are oral health issues genetic?

Patterns and behaviors in the family, while you were growing up, can influence your dental health for life.

For one, studies have shown that children who were taught good dental hygiene early will most likely be diligent in their adulthood. As such, they get to enjoy stronger, better-looking teeth and gums than their peers who were not as meticulous about dental care.

Aside from family habits, genetics also play a key role in determining oral health.

Dental experts at Laurich Dentistry agree that you can be prone to certain teeth and gum conditions if these are in your genes. Add environmental risk factors in the mix, and you can most likely catch the dental problem that most of the people in your family also have.

The following are some of the dental conditions that have been associated with genetics:

Tooth decay

What to do: Go to your dentist for professional cleaning on a regular basis. Your dentist may also recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatment (especially for teens) and may prescribe the use of toothpaste and mouthwash with strong anti-cavity formulation.

Periodontal disease

What to do: If there is gum disease in your family, make sure to share the information with your dentist when talking about your medical history. This way, your dentist can focus on preventive measures and early detection. As such, regular dental checkups are a must.

Bad bite

What to do: Misaligned, crooked, crowded or missing teeth can cause a bad bite. If this is common in your family, tell your dentist about it for orthodontic checkup and treatment as early as possible.

Oral cancer

What to do: Know that oral cancer is largely associated with cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. But genetics also play a role, especially if combined with those lifestyle risk factors.

Going to a trusted Sterling Heights dentist that offers oral cancer screening services is an important self-care procedure. Regular oral cancer screening is recommended even if you don’t have a family history of the condition.

Talk to your dentist

The best dentist in Sterling Heights, MI dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will not only treat your dental problems as they come. Instead, they will be proactive about knowing more about you, your dental health background and your goals about your dental health.

Go to a dentist who can provide the care and help that suits your unique needs. This way, you prevent serious dental problems – whether they’re genetic or not.

Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?

April 25, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Professional associations, like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend the use of toothpaste with fluoride as soon as a child’s first tooth erupts.

Fluoride helps fortify the teeth of young children which can be vulnerable to tooth decay brought about by bacteria, acids and sugars in their teeth.

The use of this mineral can minimize damage on the teeth of children and even reverse some of the damage brought about by the onset of tooth decay.

But do adults need fluoride treatments?

What the pros say

According to Dr. Farhat, a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, some adults can benefit from fluoride treatments.

Ideally, you should get your fluoride from a variety of sources, including your diet, your water, and dental products like toothpastes and rinses. However, your dentist may recommend products with stronger concentrations or a fluoride treatment, depending on your needs.

Who can benefit from fluoride treatments?

An example of people who can immensely benefit from fluoride treatments would be those who have a moderate to high risk of getting dental cavities.

You may also need to get a fluoride treatment if you are taking medications which alter the flow of saliva in your mouth. When the flow of saliva in your mouth is substantially reduced, your mouth becomes drier and puts you at a higher risk of getting cavities.

If you have not been taking good care of your teeth, getting a fluoride treatment can help undo some of the damage caused by poor oral hygiene practices like irregular toothbrushing and flossing.

Finally, if you are about to undergo radiation treatment for cancer, ask your Sterling Heights dentist about the benefits of fluoride treatments and whether they would be good for you. Radiation can wreak havoc on your salivary glands, adversely affecting the flow of saliva in your mouth.

If you are planning on getting braces or restorations like dental crowns, your dentist may also recommend that you undergo fluoride treatments. Fluoride can help strengthen your teeth, thus ensuring that you get more value out of the specific dental treatment you are planning on getting.

Patients suffering from gum recession should also seriously consider getting fluoride treatments. Gum recessions create gaps between the teeth and gum, exposing the teeth’s root surface. This can leave the teeth more vulnerable to decay.

Not sure if you need a fluoride treatment? Dr. Farhat will gladly answer your questions and determine if you need one.

To learn more interesting facts about your oral health, visit our blog.

What Happens During A Teeth Cleaning?

April 11, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Most people are afraid of teeth cleanings because of the strange noises, prodding, and occasional jaw discomfort. But despite this, a teeth cleaning process is painless and simple.

Being aware of what happens during a teeth cleaning process will help ease your stress. Also, this will allow you to enjoy the results better.

Here’s is a step-by-step guide to the teeth cleaning process:

Step 1: A Physical Exam of the Mouth

Before the cleaning process begins, a dentist in Sterling Heights will perform a physical examination of your entire mouth. Your teeth and gums will be checked for any signs of potential concerns like gingivitis. Once a problem is detected, it will be evaluated to ensure that it is okay to proceed.

Step 2: Plaque and Tartar Removal

Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar between your teeth and around your gum line using a scaler. It is normal for you to hear scraping when this is being performed. If you have more tartar in your mouth, more time will be spent to scrape it all.

Remember that tartar can only be removed through professional teeth cleanings at the dental office. Thus, if this step is your least favorite part of this dental procedure, you need to brush and floss often to prevent the buildup of tartar.

Step 3: Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning

Once your teeth are tartar-free, it will be brushed with a high-powered electric brush. Although the grinding noise that this brush emits is scary, Dr. Farhat says that this is the best way to get a deep clean. Also, this will eradicate the remaining tartar.

The toothpaste your dentist uses is like your regular toothpaste, but this has a gritty consistency. When done by a professional, this teeth polishing procedure can be done safely for at least twice a year. Avoid brushing your teeth too harshly at home because it will wear down your enamel.

Step 4: Flossing

Flossing on a daily basis is highly recommended, but nothing beats a professional flossing session. A Sterling Heights dentist can get deep between your teeth and figure out any trouble spots where you may bleed at the gums. Also, this will remove any leftover plaque from earlier during the plaque and tartar removal step.

Step 5: Rinsing and Fluoride Treatment

Rinsing is important to remove any debris. So your dentist will give a rinse that has liquid fluoride.

After that, a protectant will be applied to your teeth to help fight against cavities. A foamy gel or a sticky paste will be placed in a mouthpiece that fits perfectly on your teeth, which will be left on your teeth for a minute. Apart from that, a fluoride varnish will also be painted on your teeth. This will harden once it comes in contact with your saliva so you can drink and eat immediately after.

Regular teeth cleanings are crucial to prevent any dental problem. By being aware of what is happening during this process, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable. In fact, this might even cause you to look forward to these dental appointments.

Drinking Tap Water May Help Your Teeth

December 22, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Drinking Tap Water May Help You At The Dentist

When tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause infections and pain that will hinder speaking, eating, learning, and playing.

With the controlled addition of fluoride compound to the public water supplies, a study published in the January/February 2010 issue of General Dentistry says that this is a cost-effective way to fight tooth decay and prevent cavities. Indeed, drinking tap water may help at the dentist.

Fluoride and Your Teeth

Fluoride will make your entire tooth surface more resistant to decay. Also, it promotes remineralization, which is crucial for repairing early decay. Water fluoridation is considered to be the best source of fluoride.

Tap water has been treated with fluoride in order to prevent cavities. Water fluoridation can prevent at least 25% of tooth decay both in children and adults. While teeth are erupting under the gums, the fluoride will strengthen tooth enamel. This way, it becomes stronger and more resistant to cavities. And when the teeth erupt, fluoride will rebuild weakened tooth enamel.

Also, it can reverse early signs of tooth decay. Whenever you use fluoride dental products, you are giving your mouth a topical benefit since the fluoride is directly applied to your teeth’s surface.

In the US, more than 144 million residents in over 10,000 communities are drinking fluoridated tap water. And this can provide an automatic defense against the unsafe ingredients causing preventable oral health disease.

Rather than drilling holes in order to fix cavities, dentists prefer educating the public about tips for preventing tooth decay. A Sterling Heights dentist further emphasized that drinking tap water is safe; it is the most effective way of receiving fluoride. Also, this is more affordable than going to your dentist for a filling.

Varnish is also an effective source of fluoride. Applied by your dentist, varnish is among the most concentrated products today. This product has sodium fluoride that will adhere to your tooth surfaces when there is saliva, thus giving an excellent fluoride treatment.

By keeping fluoride in your mouth, its ability to prevent demineralization will be enhanced. Varnishes are better choices for this purpose as opposed to fluoridated toothpaste or drinking water. Typically, fluoridated varnishes are for those who do not receive sufficient fluoride from tap water, toothpaste, and other sources.

Fluoride can be found in salt products, specialty milk, gum, mouthwash, and toothpaste. However, the fluoride that the fluoridated water and varnish methods have can help reduce cavities by over 30%. If you suspect that you have a cavity, you need to visit your dentist now to prevent further damage to your teeth and mouth.

What Happens After A Tooth Dies?

September 21, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Healthy, normal teeth have living tissues inside the pulp and they play important roles in the development of a tooth. They also cause you to feel pain and discomfort when you have a toothache or whenever you eat or drink something really cold or hot. When these nerves and other living tissues die or are removed (under a root canal treatment), they will cause the tooth to die.

What Causes a Tooth to Die?

According to Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, dental trauma and decay are the two main culprits which can cause a tooth to die.

Dental trauma caused by sports injuries, assault, or a huge fall or slip can cause the blood supply to the tip of the root to be severed, resulting in the pulp and tooth dying off. In cases of severe tooth decay, bacteria will get too near the nerve or pulp. The pulp will try to get rid of the bacteria, but without proper treatment, all it can do is to choke the blood vessels by raising the internal pressure. Unfortunately, this will cause the blood supply to be cut off and the pulp will eventually die.

In some cases, gum disease and excessive clenching can also cause the death of a tooth.

Signs and Symptoms of a dead tooth

You will know if a tooth is dying or is already dead if you see or experience these signs and symptoms:

Tooth discoloration or darkening. It can turn into a shade of yellow, gray, or black.
Pain or discomfort. It can vary from mild to severe, especially at the time when the nerve is dying or there is already an abscess in the tooth.
Some swelling, a bad taste, odor, and a “pimple” on the gum which may be caused by an infection or pus.

Treatment for a dead tooth

So what happens after a tooth dies? Once the nerve is dead, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort when eating and drinking something that is too hot or cold. However, you still need to see your dentist since you have a tooth with a dead nerve inside it which will begin to rot soon.

Root canal treatment may be recommended if you don’t want to lose the dead tooth. This procedure will effectively deal with the bacterial infection and remove the decayed section of the pulp, thereby preserving the dead tooth. The discoloration can be addressed through teeth whitening or the application of a veneer if the dead tooth is in front.

Extraction is the recommended procedure if the tooth is already severely decayed and is beyond repair. However, the extracted tooth has to be replaced with a dental implant or crown to replace the missing bone tissue and to allow the patient to have a complete, functional set of teeth again.