The Secret To Avoiding Root Canals

A root canal is an incredible treatment, and often the best tooth-saving tool available. That being said, it’s understandable why most people would prefer never to experience one! The best way to prevent the need for root canal therapy is to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Incorporate these tips into your at-home hygiene routine to avoid future root canals.

Visit Your Dentist For Regular Cleanings

The best way to prevent root canals and any other dental issue is to visit your dentist regularly. If cavities are treated early, there is less tooth destruction and less trauma to the pulp or nerve tissue inside the tooth.

Root canals are typically a result of decay becoming deep enough to reach the interior of the tooth where the nerve and blood supply reside. Once the decay enters this level of the tooth, bacteria invade the inside of the tooth resulting in an abscess. Left untreated, this can become incredibly painful. By seeing your dentist for regular exams, minor tooth decay can be treated while it is still small and before it reaches the inner level of the tooth.

Brush Twice Daily

You’ve likely heard this simple command your entire life, yet far too many adults and children skip this critical step in maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth after all meals is imperative to maintaining your oral health. When you cannot do so, minimally rinsing your mouth out with plain water will aid in washing away left-behind food particles and sugars.

Don’t Forget To Floss

Not flossing your teeth is like only washing 70% of your body when you shower – it just doesn’t make sense! Flossing daily helps to prevent decay or stress on the teeth. Perfect your flossing technique and avoid future root canals by keeping hard-to-reach areas clean and debris-free.

Use Toothpaste With Fluoride

Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride helps to strengthen your tooth’s enamel layer, which helps to protect against the need for root canals. Fluoride also helps to protect against tooth decay and cavities while remineralizing soft spots. Using fluoride toothpaste twice a day is a simple and cost-effective way to fight back against decay.

Avoid Candy and Excessive Sugar

Brushing and flossing are good ways to prevent tooth decay; however, a significant factor in root canal prevention is diet. Processed foods aggressively promote tooth decay. If your diet consists of high amounts of refined, processed foods, it is even more imperative that you focus on excellent oral hygiene. Avoid foods that promote tooth decay the most, such as white bread, crackers, packaged cakes, cookies, and candy.

Sleep With a Mouth Guard

You could be grinding your teeth at night while you sleep – even if you don’t realize it! Teeth grinding can quickly wear away tooth enamel, causing teeth to feel sore and sensitive. A night guard acts as a protective barrier between your teeth to protect your enamel. A custom night guard can be created for you by your dentist for a comfortable fit that won’t disrupt your sleep.

Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks

Acidic foods and drinks like soda and citrus juices not only break down tooth enamel, but they also saturate your teeth in sugar for harmful bacteria to eat. When it comes to beverages, water is always the best option for staying hydrated and protecting your teeth.

Don’t Ignore Early Warning Signs of a Pulp Infection

When inflammation or infection inside a tooth is left untreated, it can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort. Never ignore these warning signs that your tooth may already be infected:

• Severe tooth pain
• Tooth discoloration
• Persistent gum pimples
• Gum swelling
• Prolonged sensitivity

If you find yourself experiencing any of these early warning signs of pulp infection, contact Hoffman Dental Care right away.