Expert: Dr. Randolph Myerson - 10/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: My name is deen,23.When i was 12, i had a toothache and gum disease (i mean i got my cheecks and gum swole up) and bcos of the pain and my age that time,i could't brush my teeth very well.After some time i discovered some of my teeth(both sides of lower premolar)developed a cavity in that food got stucked in them whenever am eating.Also,the  right upper molar developed a yellow, hard but peelable deposits,i was told is a decay.8yrs ago i went to a dentist who advised  me to removed the decayed ones so as not to affect the rest which i did and gave me an option to refill or remove the one with holes.I choosed to remove them.As a result i got 2 of my tooth removed without replacement,one upper molar from the right side and the second one is the lower premolar from other side.Then i thougth afterall i will be fine but unfortunately,that was'nt right.Right now i can't chew wit the right side of my tooth cos there is  another hole in of the lower premolar.I only chew with the left side even though i have to put the food to the last teeth at the back b4 i can chew(this is as a result of the space left behind by one of the teeth i removed).My problem now is:that yellow,hard but peelable deposits which is one the reason why i removed my teeth is back again so also is the cavity.I can get all my teeth removed.please what can i do.I need your advice.I will be very glad if this mail is replied immediatly.This bothers me more than death rihgt now.
   Thanks in anticipation.

ANSWER: I suggest that you find a good dentist who can do a complete examination including x-rays.  You should ask the dentist to give you a complete treatment plan which includes instructions on how you can prevent future decay and take care of your teeth.  You should ask the dentist to show you a plan that will fix your teeth.  Then you should follow the plan by making the necessary appointments to have your treatment completed.  With good dental care and good home care it is possible for you to overcome your dental problems and improve your dental health.

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QUESTION: On my own what are the things that i need or need not to do,i mean is there any dos and don'ts that i can be keeping to atleast b4 seeing the doctor.I need you to tell me pls.
thanks

Answer
Decay is an infection that destroys the teeth.  It requires good, professional treatment to eliminate.  The damaged teeth must be fixed.  That requires good, professional treatment to accomplish.  There are no home remedies.  
Good oral hygiene.  Avoid sweets.  These are the long range preventive responsibilities you can provide.