GRATITUDE

Tingling sensation or sharp pain in your tooth?

the source of the irritation. For example, if the pulp in your tooth is inflamed because decay has reached the nerve endings, removing the decay and placing a filling allows the pulp to recover and eliminates any further discomfort.

If reversible causes are left untreated though, bacteria will eventually reach the pulp. This can cause infection and damage that can’t be reversed.

IRREVERSIBLE TYPE OF PULPITIS

When the condition is irreversible, pulpal inflammation does not go away even after removing the cause. That’s because pulp starts to die once it loses its blood supply due to swelling.

The dead tissue is broken down by your body’s immune system, but if there is too much infection and dead tissue for your immune system to handle, an abscess can form. The infection may spread to the surrounding bone or other areas of the body.

In these cases, an endodontist must perform a root canal to remove the dying pulp, which will stop the pain. The only other option besides a root canal is tooth extraction, which is usually not the treatment of choice.

PREVENTING PULPAL INFLAMMATION

In cases other than accidental trauma to a tooth, there is a lot you can do to preserve your smile. Follow a good home care routine that includes daily flossing and twice daily brushing with a toothpaste, which helps protect teeth against cavities and cleans teeth thoroughly. Proper oral care also helps the longevity of your existing fillings that protect your pulp.

Scheduling regular visits with your dentist can help to identify any areas of decay while the decay is small and nowhere near the pulp.

If you grind your teeth, you may want to consider wearing a mouth guard while you sleep.

Even with proper prevention methods, tooth pain or sensitivity may happen.

Bring it to the attention of your dentist as soon as possible. Caught early, a simple treatment may ensure your pulpitis remains a reversible condition, rather than an irreversible one.

Dr Sharon Robinson, DDS has offices at Dental Place Cosmetix Spa, located at shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. Dr Robinson is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, School of Oral Health Sciences. She may be contacted at 876630-4710. Like their Facebook page, Dental Place Cosmetix Spa.

Baby Malia Brown receiving care in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University Hopital of the West Indies in 2014.

Malia Brown, seen here with her brother David, is now completely healed and is quite the active child.

Your dentist will take the right measures to treat the pulp and stop the pain.

F you notice a tingling sensation in one of your teeth or a sharp pain when eating something hot or cold, you may be dealing with pulpitis. Scheduling regular visits with your dentist can help to identify any areas of decay while the decay is small and nowhere near the pulp.

Proper oral care helps.