If you notice a color change or a blackened area in your tooth, you should make an appointment with your dentist immediately. What you eat is a big contributor to cavities. If you eat a lot of sweets or drink a lot of soda, you will be at a higher risk for cavities. Foods that are rich in sugar or starch are eaten by bacteria found in plaque, which will produce acids that eat through teeth. Even though the pain may go away, the problem will still be there until you go to the dentist and get it treated. Although the dentist is the preferred way to go, you may have to wait on an appointment, or the toothache may occur on a weekend or a time when the dentist isn t available. Your best advice is to seek dental care ASAP, as the infection can always return at any given time. A majority of individuals are terrified of the dental chair, although once they are numb, they sometimes fall asleep. Although the numbing shots may be a bit painful, once they are finished - there is literally no more pain. Most often, people will concentrate on the thought of getting the shot, which will only magnify the pain. Your reaction to different material, the shape of the tooth, extent of repair, and where the filling is needed will be determining factors as to what material is used with your filling. The gold fillings that are used are made in a laboratory, then cemented into place by the dentist. Gold material fits well with the gums, and can last you for many years. You can help to prevent gingivitis though, through flossing and brushing a few times a day. If you have gingivitis and you don t do something about it, it could lead to periodontal disease. Those who don t treat gingivitis or those who keep poor oral hygiene habits, will normally end up with periodontal disease. Although all dentists aren t bad - a negative experience will certainly make a patient feel that way. When you look fora dentist, you should always ask your family and friends who they use, and who they recommend. When you visit a dentist, you shouldn t hesitate to ask him any questions that come to mind, so you can be more relaxed.