Two of my teeth are breaking down due to tooth decay. How can I treat a decayed tooth?

Treatment for a tooth with a cavity is typically a dental filling. Teeth do not regrow, and may continue to decay if left untreated. Sometimes a tooth may require a crown if too much tooth structure is lost due to decay. Once the cavity reaches the nerve in the center of the tooth, a root canal treatment is necessary prior to a filling and crown. In more severe cases, the tooth may be too decayed to be saved, and will need to be extracted to prevent further medical issues. A dental implant, bridge, or denture may be necessary to replace a tooth lost to an advanced cavity to prevent other teeth from shifting.

My gum hurts just around my wisdom tooth and I can barely open my mouth, it is too sore. I don’t know what the problem is.

Please see a dentist as soon as possible. It could be an abscess developing around your wisdom tooth that could have serious conse-quences if left untreated.

My gums are red around three back teeth on bottom. X-rays and exam show nothing. I have been like this for three months. What can I do?

There are many factors that can cause redness of the gums. Some of the more common causes are gum disease, dental infection, fungal infection, and dry mouth. External factors are sometimes a cause; these can include switching to a new toothpaste or toothbrush, changing brushing technique, eating hard and abrasive foods, chemical burns from chewing tobacco, smoking, vaping or even cinnamon flavoured candy, biting the cheek, or dental appliances (e.g. denture, sleep apnea appliance, night guard) that could be rubbing the gum. If all of above have been ruled out by your dentist, you can ask for a referral to a specialist in oral medicine or an oral surgeon and they will help you determine if a biopsy of the area is needed.