Re-reading my earlier post, it almost sounds insensitive. I apologize for that. During the summer my time for internet activity is quite curtailled so I responded in haste. At least the desperation represented by serious dental problems in the back country was evident. The thought of unskilled individuals performing surgery (Tooth removal, incision and drainage,etc.) in such a setting is frightening. Not only is the victum already at risk for septicemia (blood poisoning) from the untreated abcess, but the likelyhood of spreading the infection and introducing other pathogens is significant. Jaw fracture from such backwoods surgery is a very real threat. "Whatever you do, do no harm" is an old medical axiom that is especially appropriate here. I suppose if the intensity of the pain is unbearable, then anything is justified (I understand there were mountain men who committed suicide under such circumstances). One poster qualified his question with a comment to the effect, "I know prevention is the best....,but.." This should not be glossed over so lightly. The importance of prevention in good dental health can NOT be overstated !!! In addition to regular professional care it would be wise to mention to your dentist the potential for being unable to quickly access dental care so that perhaps he/she might adopt a more agressive approach to treatment. Lastly, oral hygiene must be exemplary. If people would realize the incredible amount of suffering and expense proper home care saves, dental floss and a toothbush would be carried 24/7 and used effectively many times daily. I wish I could provide some earth shaking revelation regarding treatment, but as far as I know, there is none. Regards, Lou

So you're our resident dentist?

I knew there would be one lurking about in the survival foliage somewhere.

In reguards to your comment about carrying toothbrushes etc, I have wanted to make a toothbrush part of my every day bag carry for a while. Recent gum problems have made it even more urgent that I pay more attention to it.

One problem has been finding a sutible way of carrying a toothbrush, since cast loose in a bag (even a washbag) it will qyuickly gather dirt. Since it needs to be clean and put away wet, I'll need to find a way of carrying it neatly.

-james

What about a dedicated toothbrush holder? I use one to carry my toothbrush in when I travel. Not when i'm camping though because I use a cutdown toothbrush. I havn't yet found a satisfactory way of carrying that though?

i have seen special travel toothbrushes that do not require water or toothpaste to use properly, the brush is stored upside down in a small container filled with some liquid. wenn you use it you take out the brush and put in upside down on the container, so you will end up using it as handle. they come in diffrent colors 2, if i rememeber correctly <img src="images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> what else can you ask from a toothbrush ?

btw the liquid stuff is only enough for 10 brushes....

A picture of your favourite disney character?

Ziplock Baggies

Firts, the disclaimer: I'm no dentist. However, I have had three abscessed teeth and I guess three (maybe 4?) root canals on those teeth.

Before you start thinking that I'm a walking trenchmouth, let me tell you that my household nickname is the Dental Floss Nazi. I am a psycho about dental hygiene. My children went to a pediatric dentist when they were 6 months old.

However, my genes are such that I got my dad's crummy teeth.

My first abscess was so bad that it went into my jawbone and made my face swell up like in the cartoons. The infection was hard to get rid of -- the dentist was afraid that it would indeed get into my bloodstream (?) and be really bad. I was on an antibiotic that is routinely used in inner-city emergency rooms to treat victims of belly gunshot wounds. <img src="images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

The next two abscesses were probably caused by my habit of teeth grinding (bruxism) at night. I never knew I did it. I'll spare you the mechanics of how that causes an abscess, but....

...the bottom line, as I understand it, is once you have an infection within the tooth, it rarely gets better unless the cause is treated. Antibiotics are routinely prescribed for an abscess, but that's just to whip back the infection so an endodontist can get in there and do root canal therapy (pull the tooth, dig out the root from it and your jaw, pack it with special materials like tiny toothpicks, then replace & cement the tooth in its original spot). For this they are usually extremely well-paid, and worth every penny. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

My personal horror story would be the situation you described. And I would probably try to pull the darn thing.

Ewww, I just don't even want to think about it!

I knew as soon as I posted that I had messed up some specifics...

(1) your tooth isn't pulled in a normal root canal - the dentist/endodontist drills a hole through the crown and works that way.

(2) It's the pulp that is infected and causes problems, not usually the roots although they can subsequently get diseased, too.

Best to take a look at the American Dental Association's website:

http://www.ada.org/public/faq/root.html

Sorry for my bad gouge.

As I understand it, simply brushing without toothpaste, goes a long way towards cleaning teeth sufficiently to avoid decay. I'd love to hear Neanderthal's comments on that approach.

Incidentally, what self-respecting survivalist is going to be caught in an emergency without his dental floss?

John

well the liquid the brush is stored in is some kind of toothpaste replasement.....