Friday, March 13, 2009

Identify An Infected Tooth

Your teeth are one of the most important components your body has to do its work. Not only do your teeth break down anything you eat, they enhance your smile. But, what happens when you have an infected tooth? Cavities and root canals are part of the package, as most everyone has one throughout his life. But, identifying an infection in a tooth early can help you stay pain free.








Instructions


1. Go for regular dental exams. Your dentist can often predict which teeth will cause problems. They can often take X-rays to find any unseen problems.


2. Take notice of any unusual pain. If you're getting a strange twinge in one of your incisors, you may have an infection. It may feel like a throb of pain or an electric stab of some sort. Whatever the symptom, it's best to let a dentist diagnose it.


3. You notice a strange color on one of your teeth. If your tooth is turning dark blue or black, this could be a sign of a cavity. If you notice any holes or strange cracks, this is also a sign of a cavity.


4. If you have strange sensations in your teeth, you may be very sensitive to cold or hot liquids. Yes, you may just have sensitive teeth. But, the key to knowing something is wrong is noticing a change in your teeth.


5. Floss regularly. If you notice any pain or inflammation when you floss, you may have gum disease or other infection. You may bleed while flossing, but excessive bleeding is not normal.


6. If you eat a lot of candy and fail to brush your teeth, you can probably identify a few cavities right away.

Tags: your teeth, sign cavity