An abscess (sometimes known as a gum boil) in the gum tissue can be a painful experience. It may result from an infection within the tooth itself which means the nerve is dying or has died. The breakdown products move in the path of least resistance through the bone and then through the gum. The abscess could also be caused by a trapping of food or bacterial products in the gum space we call a "pocket" (an opening between the gum and the teeth) which is a symptom of periodontal disease. If the entrance to the pocket closed tightly around the area of heavy breakdown, then the toxins accumulate and create pressure in the gum tissue. Again, you may have pain with the swelling.

Maybe you'd have a really attractive smile, except for that crooked tooth that makes you feel self-conscious whenever you open your mouth. Even one tooth that is rotated or misaligned in some way can detract from your appearance.

Let's be practical. People are not going to give up sweet treats just for the sake of preventing cavities. But the fact is, that eating a lot of surgary snacks will cause tooth decay. There are ways that we can enjoy a sweet treat and protect our teeth from the harmful effects of sugar.

The object is to reduce the amount of time our teeth are exposed to sugar. We should try to avoid between meal treats. Sweets that stick to the teeth can be very harmful. Sticky candies tend to coat our teeth with sugar for long periods of time. The best time to have a sweet food is after a meal for dessert. The flow of saliva is greatest at this time and this helps protect our teeth from high doses of sugar. When you brush your teeth after dessert, you further proteet your teeth from the sugar.

If you have ever had a toothache, you know how important it is to control your pain until you see your dentist. There are many products available, over the counter and by prescription, that will keep you comfortable. I have found that topical anesthetics such as Oragel and Anbesol provide very brief relief from toothache pain. Prolonged use may cause significant irritation to the delicate soft tissues of the mouth.

One of the most perplexing problems a dentist faces is split or cracked tooth syn¬drome. Adult patients usually experience this problem. It is caused by a hairline fracture that extends through the crown of the tooth and into the pulp or nerve. Gen¬erally, the tooth is a molar or bicuspid that already has a large or deep filling.

One of the symptoms of split-tooth syndrom is a sharp pain upon biting. The pain does not last long and the patient may not be able to tell precisely which tooth hurts. The pain may not occur all the time. It may only occur when the patient bites down a certain way. The tooth may also be sensitive to cold temperatures.