Tooth Worm: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Tooth worm in an erroneous theory and in actuality tooth ache or tooth infection is not caused by worms that reside in the tooth. Exposure to bacteria, frequently snacking habit and poor dental hygiene lead to the formation of cavities and tartars on the surface layer of the teeth. These look like little holes on the tooth. If left untreated they can lead to tooth decay, severe infection or tooth loss. Cavities can develop in anybody from infants to adults. Here are various stages of tooth decay that must be addressed as soon as possible.

At the initial stage bacteria accumulates on the first layer of teeth and destroys the hard tooth enamel. This stage is also associated with the formation of plaque. Plaque develops when one eats too much of starchy or sugary food and does not clean the teeth oftener. When these components collect on the teeth layer, bacteria start feeding on them, thereby causing plaque.

At the second stage the bacteria attacks the softer layer just beneath the enamel called dentin. When this happens tiny holes are formed on the teeth. Sometimes these holes are not visible because plaque often forms at the back of the teeth.

At the last stage the nerves and the blood vessels are affected causing pain.

The treatment begins with the diagnosis whereby the dentist would inspect the dental condition. A dental X-ray might also be performed so that the dentist can get a clear picture of the condition of the mouth.

Fluoride is an element that is found in mouthwashes, toothpaste and water. It protects the teeth enamel. If your dental cavities are caught at an early stage then fluoride treatment will restore the health of the teeth. The dentist will prescribe you medications containing high concentration of fluoride.

If the dental cavities or caries have progressed beyond the first stage then you will have to opt for dental filling which is made up of materials that mimic the composition of the tooth.

Tooth crown is another artificial substitute that mimics the composition of the tooth. This is another treatment option in case the plaque has majorly attacked the teeth. The dentist first removes the cavity from the tooth completely and then attaches the crown to the tooth.

When the cavities attack the blood vessels and the nerves in the tooth then you have no choice left other than a root canal. Here the damaged tooth pulp (where the blood vessels and the nerves remain) is removed and filling is used to pack the gap. In case the cavities have led to the complete destruction of the tooth, the tooth needs to be completely removed and one can opt for dental implant to cover the gap.

Anybody can get cavities and often cavities at the initial stage do not show any symptoms. Therefore everyone should go for regular dental checkups. If cavity is detected at a very early stage, then treating it would be very easy. Apart from that if you suffer from toothache or tooth sensitivity, you shoull visit the dentist immediately.

If cavity has led to complete tooth loss, then the patient cannot be treated with even root canal and filling. In that case the tooth has to be removed to prevent the spread of bacteria. The patient can opt fot dental implant to fill the gap that is left after tooth removal.

There are side- effects of teeth filling that is used to treat cavity. Sometimes a gap forms between the real tooth and the filling. This gap can lead to accumulation of bacteria and further damage. Therefore if you notice a gap between the tooth and the filling, then you should immediately consult the dentist. Sometimes filling can break off. In that case too you need to visit the dentist.

Tooth sensitivity can remain even after getting dental fillings. To curb sensitive teeth, one can use mouthwash and toothpastes that exist to protect sensitivity. One should also maintain proper dental hygiene to prevent the development of cavities.

If you have received dental filling then the sensitivity will remain for a couple of weeks. The numbness that you will feel after your appointment depends upon the kind of anaesthetic that has been used. It can last upto 7 hours. Therefore, during this time one should be careful about eating and drinking.

In India, dental filling can cost anywhere between INR 500 and INR 1500 pers session.

If one maintains proper oral hygiene, adstains from snacking frequently and stays away from too much starchy or sugary food then the chances of developing cavities would be certainly reduced. Other than that, if one has got dental fllings, he/she has to be careful, because fillings can crack. It is advisable that he/she avoids using the bonded teeth while chewing hard foods like apples abd gauvas.

Clove oil, coconut oil and aloe vera are good natural products that fight the bacteria that feed on our teeth enamel; they also reduce the accumulation of plaque. Rinsing the teeth with these natural products will not only whiten teeth, they will also make our teeth stronger.