Proper oral hygiene is one of the best ways you can avoid spending hundreds or thousands of dollars at the dentist to correct issues that are easily preventable. A root canal is one of the most common methods used to save a tooth, but with good oral hygiene, it’s possible to avoid this restorative treatment altogether.
How Can You Avoid a Root Canal Treatment?
When a tooth has decayed to a point that the infection is able to reach the root or pulp of the tooth, dentists often recommend extraction or a root canal. Root canals are a tooth-saving procedure that involves the removal of the damaged or diseased pulp, filling of the cavity, and restoring and rejuvenating the damaged tooth.
A root canal treatment can be painful and costly, especially for people without dental insurance. However, if a person takes proper care of their teeth, then they won’t need to worry about a root canal in the future.
Below, you’ll find some helpful tips on how to prevent a root canal.
Brush Twice Daily
Brushing your teeth twice a day, or after eating can be the easiest way to avoid a root canal. You should brush for at least two to three minutes and include the inner cheeks, gums, and tongue.
Floss
Floss once a day, after a meal. Flossing can help remove any bacteria and food particles from areas that a toothbrush is unable to reach and can help prevent tooth decay and bad breath.
Use Toothpaste With Fluoride and Mouthwash
Mouthwash and fluoride toothpaste can help prevent cavities and tooth decay by eliminating plaque and by hardening the enamel.
Visit the Dentist Twice a Year
A dentist can thoroughly clean the mouth to remove the harmful bacteria and plaque buildup a patient may have missed while brushing and flossing. A dentist can also detect any problems early on to prevent serious decay and the need for a root canal.
Have Your Cavities Filled
If you have cavities but fail to seek dental treatment, the root-damaging bacteria will continue to spread. This can result in nerve damage, tooth infection, and the need for a root canal. Have your cavities filled as early as possible to prevent a root canal in your future.
Use a Mouthguard
A person who plays sports should wear a mouthguard to prevent fractures that can expose a tooth’s roots to infection. People who grind or clench their teeth should wear a nightguard to protect their teeth against chips, cracks, and wear and tear.
Avoid Eating Hard Food
If you have restorations or weak teeth, avoid eating hard foods that can lead to chips, cracks, or a broken tooth. Chips or cracks in the teeth can allow harmful bacteria to make their way to the root of a tooth.
Avoid Using the Teeth for Non-Food Items
While opening a bottle using your teeth may seem convenient, it can cause serious damage to your teeth, resulting in chipped teeth, cracked teeth, fractures, and tooth loss. This will allow bacteria to make their way to the roots or nerves.
Avoid Consuming Sugary Foods and Drinks
Acids and sugar in the mouth can break down tooth enamel, which can cause cavities. Bacteria can gather in the cavities and can eat away at a tooth, down to the roots. Try to limit the amounts of acidic drinks, sugary drinks, and foods that you consume daily.
Speak With a Dentist if You Experience Tooth Pain
Pain that comes from the teeth and gums shouldn’t be ignored and prompt treatment is often necessary. A painful tooth can be a sign of a dangerous tooth infection. A dentist can fix the underlying issue that’s causing the unbearable tooth pain before you need a root canal.
Contact Stuart Curry Dentistry Today
A root canal treatment is preventable. If you follow the tips here, you can avoid the high cost, energy, time, and pain that are associated with root canals. Contact Stuart Curry Dentistry today to schedule a cleaning and exam and learn how to make better decisions for your oral health.
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