Have you ever heard people talking about root canal treatment and wondered if you need one? We’ve got some expert tips to help you ensure that your teeth stay in tip-top condition so you won’t ever need a root canal.

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

Before we jump into what you can do to minimise the likelihood of needing a root canal, it’s important to understand exactly what that is and what it does. Put simply, a root canal treatment repairs damage inside your tooth. Your dentist starts by drilling a hole into the tooth and extracting the soft centre, which is called the dental pulp. The dental pulp is the connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels that extend into the tooth’s root. After removing the pulp, the gap is then filled and sealed. Sometimes, a root canal can replace the crown or the surface of your tooth used for chewing. In most cases, your general dentist or endodontist performs the root canal under local anaesthesia.

When Is the Main Cause of a Root Canal?

Your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment when your tooth gets infected to the point of reaching the pulp or the root of your tooth. This treatment can restore a severely damaged tooth so that you don’t have to get it extracted. Whether it became infected by decay or gum disease, experienced severe wear and tear or other damage, fillings cracked or you needed repeated dental work on the tooth, this treatment can do wonders to save your tooth.

When the dental pulp gets damaged, bacteria can start multiplying inside your tooth. Ignoring this may lead to an infection in your tooth’s root. What’s more, losing a tooth can lead to the development of several mouth problems. Even if you replace the tooth with an artificial one, saving the original tooth is the better option. For one, your natural teeth are more efficient for biting and chewing. Secondly, tooth replacements often require more complex and expensive dental procedures. For these reasons, a root canal treatment is the best way of addressing certain issues within a tooth.

Is It Possible to Avoid a Root Canal? There’s 10 Ways!

While a root canal can save your severely infected tooth, wouldn’t it be better to avoid infection in the first place? Here are our top 10 tips to keep your teeth looking and feeling their best, so you won’t ever need a root canal.

1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

Brushing your teeth is the best and easiest way to take care of your teeth. It sounds simple, but many adults sometimes skip brushing regularly. Make sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes for optimal cleaning. Also, don’t forget to include the tongue, gums and inner cheeks.

2. Floss At Least Once Daily

When you skip the flossing step in your daily oral hygiene routine, only 70% of your teeth get clean. You are likely to miss tight gaps and hard-to-reach areas where root-damaging bacteria can hide and thrive!

3. Avoid Hard Foods to Avoid Cracks

If you’re not careful, chewing on hard foods can cause cracks in your teeth. This can allow bacteria to enter your tooth’s root system. This is especially true for those who have weak teeth and tooth restorations. So be wary of hard lollies. Crunchy fruits and vegetables can also lead to cracks and damage to restored teeth, so make sure to cook food well or choose softer raw options.

4. Eat Healthily for Healthier Teeth

Having a proper diet can help prevent root canals and tooth decay. Try to avoid processed or refined foods, which are high in sugar or carbohydrates. Some examples include white bread, packaged cakes, cookies or candy, breakfast cereals, pasta, soda, fruit juices, salad dressings, condiments and more. It’s these sugars and carbohydrates that root-damaging bacteria loves to feed on.

5. Source Strategies for Nighttime Teeth Grinding

Did you know that teeth grinding can cause nerve damage? It may even be the cause of your persistent headaches. So if you suspect you might be grinding your teeth while you sleep, consult with your dentist on how to stop it. Often, they recommend a night guard to protect your teeth from grinding damage.

6. Wear a Mouthguard, No Matter the Sport

Mouthguards are no longer only a requirement for rough and heavy contact sports such as football, hockey and boxing. They are essential for any sport as they protect your teeth from damage and fractures, and these kinds of injuries can happen during almost any sports game.

7. Avoid Sugary & Acidic Food & Drinks

When it comes to ruining your teeth, sugar and acid are partners in crime. If left unchecked, sugar and acid can break down your teeth’s enamel, causing them to develop cavities. Unfortunately, this nasty duo can also cause bacteria to accumulate in the cavities, and this bacteria will eat away further down the roots.

8. Get Cavities Treated Sooner Rather Than Later

If you have an untreated tooth cavity, the damage and bacteria will only continue to spread. This may lead to nerve damage which will require you to get a root canal. Having your cavities filled and treated as early as possible will protect your teeth from further damage.

9. Don’t Miss Your Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings

Your regular dental checkups and cleanings are not only there to ensure that your teeth are clean and well maintained. These sessions are an opportunity to check for tooth decay and other oral issues. So visit your dentist every six months, unless they recommend otherwise.

10. Get Your Tooth Pain Checked Out Immediately!

There are several signs that indicate you might need a root canal or other dental work. These include sensitivity to pressure, hot or cold temperatures, or sweet food and drink. Symptoms may also include an abscess or pimple near the tooth, persistent pain, swelling, difficulty sleeping, headaches, fever and more. Any of these signs mean that something has gone amiss with your oral health. If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit your dentist or endodontist immediately.

Take Care of Your Teeth With Abbotsford Dental

You can avoid root canals when you take good care of your oral health. Follow these tips to avoid having to expend the time, energy and money associated with this common problem. If you’re already at the point of needing a root canal treatment, however, don’t worry! The friendly and experienced dentists at Abbotsford Dental have you covered. Get professional root canal treatment at Abbotsford Dental Clinic today. Book an appointment now!