Root canal therapy is important for treating infections and other damage deep inside a tooth, preserving both your oral health and your beautiful smile. But as with other health issues, it’s always preferable to avoid problems when you can.
In this post, the team at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC, offers seven simple steps you can take to keep your teeth healthy and reduce the likelihood that you’ll need root canal therapy in your future.
You probably know you need to brush your teeth each day — but are you sure you’re using the best technique? The American Dental Association offers tips to help make sure your brushing technique is as effective as possible in removing plaque and germs.
Flossing once a day is important, too — and once again, using the right technique is essential. Flossing correctly helps eliminate sticky plaque film that harbors disease-causing bacteria and prevents plaque from turning into hard-to-remove tartar.
Finish up your at-home routine with mouthwash or rinse designed to get rid of plaque and bacteria. We can recommend a mouthwash that’s right for your oral health needs.
Sugar plays a starring role in tooth decay, providing a delicious food source for bacteria that cause cavities. As bacteria multiply, they produce acids that in turn eat away at tooth enamel, exposing the inner layers of teeth and significantly increasing the risk of decay.
Instead of snacking on sugary foods and drinks, choose fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, and nuts, and wash it all down with water. Not a fan of plain water? Add some cucumber or melon chunks to improve the flavor.
You know smoking is bad for your heart and lungs, but it’s also bad for your teeth. Not only can it increase your risk of gum disease and interfere with healing, but recent data also show a link between smoking and the need for root canal therapy, too.
That recent study confirms previous research that found smokers are almost twice as likely to need a root canal compared to nonsmokers. Bottom line: If you smoke, take steps to quit for the sake of your oral health and your overall wellness, too.
Home care is important for healthy teeth, and so are regular dental checkups. During your twice-yearly exam, your dentist carefully cleans your teeth, removing plaque and tartar deposits while checking for minor issues that can benefit from early treatment.
It can be really tempting to use your teeth to open a bottle or pry off a lid — but don’t. Using your teeth as makeshift tools dramatically increases the risk of cracks, chips, fractures, and other damage that can lead to a root canal or even an extraction.
Mouth guards are custom devices worn during sports or other activities where you could wind up damaging your teeth or jaws through falls or impacts. Night guards are devices you wear while you sleep to prevent damage from grinding or clenching habits. Both are custom made to fit your mouth comfortably and prevent tooth damage that can lead to deep infections (and the need for root canals).
Most dental issues start small and become worse over time. If you have a toothache, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, gum swelling, or other unusual symptoms, seeking treatment right away is the best way to avoid complications that require more extensive (and more costly) treatment.
If you’re having symptoms like tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t ignore them. Book an appointment online or over the phone at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today, so we can make sure you get the care you need to prevent problems and preserve your healthy smile.
