How does Root Canal Treatment work?
Root canal treatment is the best way to salvage a natural tooth that has become severely infected. The process involves drilling a hole in the tooth to remove the pulp.
Then, the tooth is filled with a thermoplastic, biocompatible material to support it from the inside and sealed with a dental filling. In some cases, a dental crown is placed to protect it.
There are some steps that you can take to reduce your risk of needing root canal treatment. In this article, we’ll explain how you can keep your teeth healthy and strong.
9 Tips to Avoid Root Canal Therapy
Below are the top 9 tips to help keep your teeth healthy and avoid treatments such as root canal therapy:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
According to the American Dental Association, the best way to protect your teeth is to brush them. Ideally, you should be brushing twice daily for two minutes at a time. Also, make sure to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your tooth enamel and reduce your risk of developing cavities/tooth decay.
Floss teeth daily
When you brush your teeth before bed, take the time to floss as well. This will remove any food debris that might be stuck between your teeth or along the gumline. Food debris can cause the formation of plaque, which can lead to tooth decay and infection. In addition, flossing stimulates the gums which promotes circulation and facilitates healing.
Visit the dentist every 6 months
In addition to at-home care, it’s important to visit the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning. This will allow them to monitor your mouth for any issues. When caught early, most dental issues are easily resolved. Unfortunately, most people put off these maintenance visits which allows the problems to escalate and leads to higher treatment costs.
Scrape your tongue
While brushing and flossing are beneficial, you should also take the time to scrape your tongue. This will remove bacteria from your tongue, which reduces your risk of needing root canal treatment as well as bad breath.
Reduce consumption of sugary foods
Research has proven that sugary foods and beverages contribute to the development of tooth decay and infection. These things have also been associated with health issues such as obesity and diabetes. By reducing the amount of sugar you are consuming, you can reduce your risk of oral and overall health issues.
Avoid tobacco use
Tobacco is one of the worst things for your oral and overall health. It can destroy your gum tissue, cause tooth loss, and lead to oral cancer. In fact, according to research, tobacco use is one of the primary reasons for adult tooth loss. Therefore, if you use tobacco, try to quit. If you need help, we will be happy to point you to resources to help you quit.
Choose beverages wisely
One of the best things you can drink is water. Fruit juices, sodas, and teas are usually full of sugar, which sticks to teeth. This ultimately leads to cavities and tooth infections, which require root canal treatment. By avoiding these things and drinking water instead, you can avoid the buildup of sugar and bacteria.
Eat foods that strengthen your enamel
Just as there are foods that can damage your teeth, there are foods that can strengthen your enamel. This will help reduce your risk of needing root canal treatment. Foods such as leafy greens, yogurt, salmon, and cheese, which are high in vitamin D, calcium, and protein are ideal for ensuring that your enamel remains healthy and strong.
Use mouthwash
Finally, one of the best ways to combat bad breath and avoid root canal treatment is by using mouthwash. This oral care product has been shown to kill bacteria. However, make sure to choose alcohol-free mouthwash.
Schedule Your Preventative Maintenance Visit Today
Proper oral care habits are critical for keeping your teeth healthy and avoiding dental procedures such as root canal treatment. One of the major components of proper oral care is visiting the dentist every 6 months. Schedule your visit with the team at A Dental Care today. We have 5 locations across the Houston area, and we offer a variety of services for the entire family.
