Tooth
A tooth consists of a crown and one or more roots. The crown is
the functional part visible above the gum. The root is the unseen
portion that supports and fastens the tooth in the jawbone. The root
is attached to the tooth-bearing bone, the alveolar of the jaws by a
fibrous ligament called the periodontal ligament or membrane.
All teeth have the same general structure and consist of three layers.
In mammals, the outer layer, called enamel, is wholly inorganic and
the hardest tissue in the body. It covers part or the entire crown of a
tooth. The middle layer of the tooth is composed of dentine, which
is less hard than enamel and similar in composition to bone.
Dentine is nourished by the pulp, the innermost portion of the
tooth. The pulp consists of cells, tiny blood vessels, and a nerve. It
occupies a cavity located in the centre of the tooth. The pulp canal
is long and narrow with an enlargement, called the pulp chamber, in
the coronal end. The pulp canal extends to nearly the entire length
of the tooth. It communicates with the body’s general nutritional and
nervous systems through the apical foramina (holes) at the end of
the roots. Below the gum line extends the root of the tooth, which is
covered at least partially by cementum.
Function
s
The main functions of tooth include -Breaking down food through
chewing before it reaches the digestive system, so that our body can
easily absorb the nutrients Assisting in pronouncing words properly,
giving us a great smile and appearance.
Problems
Some common tooth problems are
Abscessed tooth: An abscessed tooth is a painful infection at the
root of a tooth or between the gum and tooth.
Sensitive teeth: Tooth sensitivity is discomfort in one or more teeth,
triggered by hot, cold, sweet or sour food, drinks or cold air.
Plaque: Plaque is a thin,
transparent film on the
surface of the teeth,
containing bacteria. If the
plaque is not removed, it
hardens into tartar.
Caries: Caries, or tooth
decay, is the most common
disease of the teeth among
humans. Caries usually
commences on the surface enamel, especially in pits and fissures
and between adjacent teeth. From the enamel, the process of
decay spreads to the underlying dentine, and may finally involve
the tooth pulp.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually
be reversed with daily brushing, flossing and regular cleaning by a
dentist or dental hygienist.
In gingivitis, the gums
become red, swollen and
can bleed easily.
Periodontitis: When
gingivitis is not treated, it
can advance to periodontitis, which means inflammation around
the tooth. In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form
spaces called pockets that become infected.
Bad breath: Medically called halitosis, bad breath can result from
poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health
problems. It is often caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth
that causes inflammation and gives off noxious odours or gases
that smell like sulphur or worse.
Causes
Dental problems are caused mainly due to -
Poor oral hygiene
If teeth are not cleansed or brushed properly, bacteria may germinate
causing plaque and other medical issues. This is the most common
reason behind almost all tooth problems.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated
with gum disease. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances of
successful treatment.
Hormonal changes in females
These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier
for gingivitis to develop.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing infections,
including gum disease.
Medications
There are hundreds of prescriptions and over-the-counter
medications that can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective
effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable
to infections, such as gum disease.
Symptoms
• Persistent bad breath Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or teeth that appear to be very long
Tooth Cleanse
For healthy teeth and gums, it is important to prevent the build-up of
plaque. If the plaque is removed daily, there will be little tooth decay
or gingivitis. I sometimes recommend getting plaque removed by a
doctor once every couple of years.
Oil pulling is an excellent technique for oral care. It helps strengthen
the teeth and gums, reduces plaque and relieves bad breath. It
is also considered good for overall health as it removes toxins.
(For details, refer Mouth Cleanse in Cleansing Therapy - Cure
Yourself Vol. 1)
A few other techniques -
1. Clove oil (लललल
ललल)
Clove is one of the most important
ingredients for treating any kind of
dental issue, including cavities. Due
to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and
antibacterial properties, clove can help
alleviate pain and prevent infection from
spreading.
Ingredients
Clove oil or
Sesame seed oil (ललल लल ललल)
Procedure
• Dilute two to three drops of clove oil with 1/4 teaspoon
of sesame seed oil. Put a few drops of this solution on a cotton
ball and dab the solution on the affected tooth. Repeat every
night before going to bed.
• Another option is to gently chew a whole clove to extract its oil.
Then, keep the clove under your tongue for several minutes.
Note: Do not use clove oil in excess, or too frequently, as it is best
for temporary relief.
2. Salt
Salt can be used to treat cavities due to its antiseptic and antibacterial
properties. It can reduce inflammation, ease pain, draw out any
infection and prevent growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Ingredients
Salt (preferably sea-salt, or
iodized salt)
Warm water
Mustard oil
Procedure
• Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish
a mouthful of this solution in your mouth for a minute,
concentrating on the affected tooth. Follow this treatment thrice
a day until your symptoms subside.
• Alternatively, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a little mustard oil
or lemon juice to make a paste. Massage the gums gently
with this paste for a few minutes and gargle with warm water.
Repeat twice daily for a few days to kill bacteria.
3. Garlic
Rich in antibacterial as well as antibiotic properties, garlic is often
recommended to treat tooth decay and cavities. It can also provide
respite from pain and promote healthier
gums and teeth.
Ingredients (for one time use)
Garlic – Three to four cloves
Rock salt – ¼ teaspoon
Procedure
• Prepare a paste from three to four
crushed garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of rock salt. Apply it
on the infected tooth. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing
with a mouthwash. Do this twice daily for a few weeks to reduce
cavities.
• You can also rub garlic oil on the affected tooth to get quick
relief from pain.
• Eating raw garlic regularly can also provide effective results.
4. Licorice
There are two effective antibacterial compounds in dried licorice root,
licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, which can prevent growth of cavity-
causing bacteria. Plus, this herb can also reduce plaque.
Ingredients
Licorice - 100gms for a month’s use (in powder form)
Procedure
• Brush your teeth with dried licorice root powder regularly.
• You can also use a soft stick of licorice, like a toothbrush, to
brush your teeth daily.
5. Neem leaves
Indian lilac, also known as neem, is
another popular remedy for treating
cavities. Its antibacterial properties can
easily destroy cavity-causing bacteria.
Plus, it helps maintain healthy and
strong teeth, and gums.
Ingredients
Neem leaves - one handful
Procedure
• Rub the juice of neem leaves on the teeth and gums. Leave
it on for a few minutes and rinse with warm water. Follow this
treatment once or twice daily.
• Simultaneously, you can also use soft neem sticks to brush
your teeth.
• You can even use toothpaste containing neem oil.
Benefits
• Prevents cavities and stops tooth loss
• Brightens smile
• Freshens breath
• Boosts overall health
• Saves money
A Liver Cleanse helps in tooth cleanse as well.