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Every time you visit a supermarket or a pharmacy and look at this colorful toothbrush section your hand automatically goes there to pick
one that’s the brightest.

Unfortunately, most people end up buying a toothbrush just about this way.

But does buying a toothbrush really require a thought?

Or can it just be something that catches your attention?

Like the color or the shape of the toothbrush?

Now, pat yourself on the back if you diligently follow a good dental health regimen like brushing twice a day, flossing, and also using mouthwash regularly but there are some who enthusiastically overdo this. Now add this to a poor design of your toothbrush, and an abrasive toothpaste it is going to eat away your Enamel ( which is supposed to be the strongest part of your body )

This is how one of the oldest toothbrushes looked Show this to a 2023 Dentist, we would run away from there as it is a big no-no from us!

So what exactly should you look for in a Tooth Brush ?

Head size –  Medium to smaller size of the head so your brush is able to access all parts of your mouth

Bristle design – bristles arranged in varying lengths, clean better, especially between the teeth and your gums.

Bristle Firmness – AS SOFT AS IT CAN BE AND YOU CAN FIND IN THE MARKET.

This is the only way to make sure you don’t wear away your teeth’ surface due to brushing.

Cost-effective.

What can a bad toothbrush do to your teeth and gums?

Wears away your tooth enamel exposing the second layer ( Dentin) which is the main cause of Sensitivity to Cold Food and Sweets. If you have ever had sensitivity without any cavities, your Tooth Brush is the culprit.

Causes Gum Recession

This again can lead to Tooth Brush Abrasions on your teeth leading to cavities, discomfort, and pain. All that ends in your tooth needing a Root Canal Treatment or Tooth Removal.

Manual Tooth Brush or Electric Tooth Brush? Which is better

Many long-term studies prove that people who use electric toothbrushes have healthier gums, less decay of teeth, and also keep their teeth for longer, compared with those who use a manual toothbrush.

However, with the right brush, brushing technique, and toothpaste manual toothbrushes are just as effective.

Those who really need an electric toothbrush

• Young adults with several cavities, repeated gum infections
• Older people with less dexterity to keep their teeth and gums clean
• Children with developmental disorders
• Those who have full mouth implants and Dental Crowns

Are best benefited from Electric Tooth Brushes.

So if you’re unsure of which toothbrush to use, suffering from unexplained teeth sensitivity or loss of gums get an appointment with us at Kondapur and we will help you out! 🙂

The tooth is made up of three layers – Enamel, Dentin, and Pulp.

Enamel is the most complex structure in the human body. Around the teeth, it acts like a Shield protecting the other two layers.

Dentin forms the bulk of tooth structure, tubular (like pipes) in internal structure, and carries fluids. This fluid moves in and around to external stimuli like hot cold food, dental fillings, and air.

Pulp- is the innermost layer of the tooth. It is made of blood vessels that carry blood supply to the tooth.

Pain that arises from Exposed Dentin (or the second layer of the tooth) when teeth come in contact with thermal (hot/cold food), touch stimulus or even air is Dentin Hypersensitivity/ tooth sensitivity.

Why does the second layer of tooth or dentin get exposed?

• Excessive and hard teeth brushing technique- wear away the first layer ( enamel, exposing dentin)
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and carbonated drinks ( chemical wear)
• Use of abrasive tooth powders/ pastes
• Loss of gum due to gum disease-exposing the root area of the tooth
• Smokeless tobacco chewers
• People with severe gastritis.

How to CONTROL or ELIMINATE Dentin Hypersensitivity/ Teeth Sensitivity?

2-4 weeks after at-home therapies, the degree of sensitivity would be re-investigated.

If the pain still existed, the patient should start the next phase of the treatment at our Dental Clinic for the best possible outcome.

Fear of Dental Procedures is very common. One common procedure people fear is root canal treatment. Reasons for root canal anxiety may stem from myths about pain or not knowing what will happen during the procedure. If you need a root canal, don’t let your fear get in the way.

Root Canal Treatment Simplified

Root Canal Treatment is a Restorative Procedure to save the tooth from being removed and to prolong its life. Root Canal, is in fact a part of the tooth which contains the tooth’s nerves, and blood vessels, also called the Pulp. This treatment focuses on removing the inflamed/infected pulp of the tooth, cleaning the canals in the root of the tooth, and filling it with an inert material.

The procedure finally ends with placing a Dental crown/ cap to reinforce the remaining tooth structure.

Understanding the Tooth Anatomy

The Tooth Is made up of three hard layers . Enamel- is the outermost layer of the tooth. It is the hardest structure in the human body Dentin- is more yellowish in appearance bulk of tooth structure is made up of this layer. Pulp- it is the innermost layer of the tooth. This is called pulp as it carries the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the tooth structure. This pulp lies within a canal space.

When do you need a Root Canal Treatment?

Usually, cavities start in the enamel of the tooth, but over months to years, it spreads to the deeper layers of the tooth.

When tooth caries extend beyond the second layer of the tooth ( Dentin) into the pulp chamber, it becomes indispensable to get the root canal treatment done.
So the procedure basically removes this pulp from the canal space, cleans the canal space, and to maintain the strength of the tooth, a filling material is placed inside in place of the pulp. That is the only option left to save the tooth.

What are your symptoms that indicate a need for Root Canal Treatment?

• Severe Tooth Pain
• Lingering pain to hot/cold food that does not go away even after removing the stimulus
• Pimple over your gums
• Obvious swelling of the face
• Trauma due to a hit/ a blow to the face.
• A chipped or cracked tooth
• Loose teeth
• Unbearable Pain in the nighttime or laying down position

Can you do it with medication instead of the procedure?

No.

Cavities cause irreversible damage to the tooth and the only way to save the teeth from extraction; in the early stages of Cavity formation is a filling and at later stages is a Root Canal Procedure.

However, medication provides temporary relief ONLY and is not a final treatment option to solve the issue and prevent a recurrence.

What happens during the procedure?

• The tooth and surrounding area will be anesthetized locally to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
• The infected tooth structure is removed with the help of a high-speed instrument.
• The affected portion of the tooth is cleaned thoroughly.
• Access is gained to the pulp
• Fine instruments are used to gently remove the pulp
• Canal Space is thoroughly cleaned with disinfectants and antibiotic pastes.
• Canals without Pus discharge are filled in the same sitting and the procedure is completed.
• Canals with pus discharge are given an antibiotic dressing and the root canal procedure is completed after three days or in the next sitting.
• A temporary filling is given over the tooth surface.

What is the recovery time?

Most patients see immediate relief from their symptoms and are fine completely after the procedure is done. Some experience mild discomfort for one or two days after the procedure.
Painkillers and antibiotics are prescribed to ensure a comfortable post-operative period.

How to prevent getting Root canal Treatment done?

• Recognizing cavities at an early stage and getting fillings or sealants done for the teeth.
• Keeping a check on the consumption of sugary food items.
• Practicing good tooth brushing technique.
• Getting Dental checkups done yearly or twice a year.