There are two types of pulpitis: reversible and irreversible. In reversible pulpitis the nerve and the pulp can yet be saved and brought back to sound condition. Produced by bad contact with the opposing tooth or by a new filling that is irritatingly close to the pulp or by a deep unfilled cavity, reversible pulpitis may degenerate into irreversible pulpitis. When the pulp is abscessed and dying and cannot be resurrected, the pulpitis is irreversible. A painful response is elicited when the tooth is tapped with an instrument or a finger.

The Danger: If not treated the tooth will become abscessed and removal might be necessary.

Symptoms: The tooth becomes sensitive to cold, the pain lasting a few minutes and then disappearing. In advanced stages, pain will appear without any cause and last for a much longer time, occurring more frequently when the patient is in a horizontal position. There may be swelling of the face.

The tooth will now be sensitive to hot substances as well. The toothache is sharp, stabbing, or throbbing; the pain is difficult to pinpoint, often manifesting itself in a different place, sometimes even in the opposing jaw.

Treatment: In reversible pulpitis the dentist will apply a suitable germicide and seal off the exposed pulp, thus preventing further invasion from salivary bacteria. In irreversible pulpitis, he will begin root canal work or send the patient to an endodontist. The pulp will be removed and the canals sterilized and filled.

Prevention: Care should be taken that a cavity does not develop too far without treatment. On some occasions an overenthusiastic dentist might drill too near the pulp, thus destroying it.

Outlook: Removal of the pulp in root canal work does not mean that the tooth is dead; it is still attached to the bone, very much alive, and can do a useful job for a long time, providing that the root canal treatment is well done.

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Check others dental cares article:

• Dental Caries
• Dental Caries 2

2. Rinsing. If possible, the mouth should be rinsed after each meal and before bedtime. Commercial mouthwashes mask the odor for a brief time; their germicidal effect lasts only about an hour.

3. Toothpaste. The value of toothpaste increases if it contains fluoride.

4. Fluoride. It has been proven that fluorine combines with the calcium in the tooth, making it a much harder substance and thus slowing down the action of the bacteria. Fluorine works best when it is part of the drinking water, but in some communities this is not available. Fluorine in a toothpaste or in a mouth rinse or taken internally in the form of a pill can be substituted. Fluorine can cut down tooth decay by half, and for children who are prone to caries this chemical is vital; overuse, however, can mottle the teeth.

5. Dental floss. The unwaxed kind is best, easier to get between the teeth where the toothbrush is not effective. Floss should be gently inserted and worked in all directions with care not to irritate the delicate gums.

6. Other inter-dental cleaning agents. Triangular, soft wooden picks to massage the gums and brush away food particles are helpful. Some dentists recommend the water pic, which thrusts streams of water under pressure between the teeth. It should not be turned on too high, for it can harm the gums.

7. Sugar. Avoid sugar as much as possible. Sugar is a prime cause of caries. A good point to remember is that sugar is added to many processed foods, even foods not considered sweet. It is not so much the amount of sugar consumed but the frequency of putting this substance in the mouth that is significant.

8. Children’s teeth. All children should have their teeth examined every six months, for only a dentist can detect the making of a new cavity.