When Your Body Attacks Your Teeth: Combating Autoimmune Dental Problems

How to revent A Root Canal

Your endodontist has gone to school and studied endodontics for many years just in order to perform root canals, and you appreciate that.  But it might be best if you try to prevent having to go see him altogether.  Root canals are the best solution for tooth root infections, but they require a lot of pain and money.  The days and weeks leading up to your appointment might be painful, as tooth root pain is not fun.  The procedure, although it relieves a lot of the pain, is long and can be unpleasant, to say the least.  Included here are some great ways that you can prevent the need for a root canal. 

But First, What is a Root Canal?   

The endodontic treatment known as a root canal is when the infected, dead, or injured inside part of your tooth, known as the pulp, is removed.  The nerves in the tooth are located in this portion of the tooth structure.  The infected root pulp is cleaned out and filled in with a substance that will prevent infection from coming back, and will not cause you any pain.  Although pricey, a root canal is the only relief from tooth pain caused by infection in the pulp. 

So How Can I Prevent a Root Canal?    

When the nerves in the tooth root come in contact with bacteria, they will become infected.  The best way to prevent a root canal is to prevent bacteria from getting into this portion of the tooth.  Bacteria gets into the root through injuries, cavities, and old fillings and infects the nerve. 

Excellent Oral Hygiene   

Brushing and flossing are obvious ways to help prevent root canals.  Brushing after every meal and flossing daily are an important part of good hygiene in general, and especially good oral hygiene. 

Taking Care of Old Fillings      

After a number of years, an old dental filling from a cavity will start to crack.  This can cause damage to the tooth and can allow bacteria into the root and pulp of the tooth.  The tooth will become infected and will begin to die, causing you pain. 

Visit the Dentist Regularly     

The best way to prevent older fillings from becoming damaged is to regularly visit your dentist and have them check every dental restoration that is currently in your teeth.  Checking and repairing a broken filling will keep you from having pain and will also keep the tooth from becoming infected. 

Insist on the Best Materials   

When you do get a restorative procedure done on your teeth, such as a filling, insist that the best quality materials are used.  This can help the filling to last a bit longer without cracking and allowing bacteria to get into the root.

Protect Your Teeth      

Any type of trauma to the teeth can cause cracks which will allow bacteria to get into the pulp and root of the tooth.  When you play sports, always wear a mouth guard to protect your pearly whites.  If you grind your teeth at night, you are risking cracking a tooth without even knowing it.  Wearing a mouth guard at night will prevent damage from being done to your teeth while you're asleep.         

Prevent Cavities through Diet    

A sugar free diet is the best kind when it comes to taking care of your teeth.  When sugar is in the food that we eat, it turns to bacteria in the mouth, even long after you're finished eating.  This creates an acid that starts to break down the teeth over time.  If you eat something that is sugary, be sure to brush your teeth immediately after so that they sugar doesn't sit on your teeth.  Remember that sugar is in many foods, such as fruit, juices, and some healthy snacks as well.    

When you start a health oral hygiene habit early, you could indeed prevent the need for a root canal in the future. 


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