How to Prevent Root Canal Infections
When patients meet with Dr. Louis Buono at his Long Island practice, they can rest assured that they are receiving advanced dental care that focuses on total wellness. He offers the latest restorative dentistry treatments to address major dental problems.
Even with advanced care available, prevention is still the best medicine. Let's take a moment right now to look at how patients can prevent root canal infections.
What is a root canal infection?
To discuss root canal infections, it's important to first consider the structure and anatomy of a person's teeth.
Within each tooth is a hollow chamber that contains soft tissue known as dental pulp. This dental pulp was essential for the proper formation and maturation of a tooth, providing it with nutrients and nourishment. The soft tissue consists of blood vessels and nerves that help a tooth feel sensations of heat, cold, and pressure.
A root canal infection occurs when bacteria breaches the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth and reaches the dental pulp. This can result in major pain and discomfort. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and cause major dental health and general wellness problems.
What causes root canal infections?
The most common causes of root canal infections are serious tooth decay and major damage to the teeth. Whatever allows bacteria access to the inner structures of the teeth can potentially lead to a root canal infection.
Thankfully, there are many things that people can do to prevent these kinds of dental infections for occurring.
Tip #1: Brush Your Teeth at Least Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth regularly is the best way to fight cavities and prevent tooth decay. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal.
Tip #2: Floss Your Teeth at Least Once a Night
Flossing is also crucial for good dental health, taking care of food particles and plaque in places that your toothbrush cannot reach. It's important to floss at least once a night, though ideally you should floss after every meal.
Tip #3: Wear Mouth Protection and Head Protection
Injuries to the mouth and head can cause your teeth to be damaged. Even minor cracks can mean the potential for a root canal infection. Whenever you are playing contact sports or combat sports, or when you are engaged in any activities that could potentially result in facial or cranial injury, be sure to wear a mouth guard or a helmet. Protecting your face and head can prevent root canal infections as well as brain injuries and other kinds of trauma.
Tip #4: Avoid Biting/Chewing Hard and Inedible Objects
Chewing your fingernails, pen caps, and drinking straws isn't just a social faux pas. These bad habits can also result in damage to your teeth that make root canal infections more likely.
Tip #5: Don't Use Your Teeth as Tools
Opening bags with your teeth can similarly lead to serious injuries to the teeth, particularly if this is done consistently for a long period of time. Use scissors for those hard-to-open bags rather than your incisors.
Tip #6: Do Not Use Tobacco Products
Smoking and using chewing tobacco can weaken your teeth, cause gum disease, and make tooth decay more likely. This is just another common sense reason to quit for good.
Tip #7: Avoid Snacking on Sugary Foods
The oral bacteria that causes tooth decay has a particular affinity for sugary foods. That means that candies and soft drinks can really lead to cavities. Snack smart instead of just snacking on junk food.
Tip #8: Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year for Regular Checkups
Seeing your dentist regularly helps you prevent cavities, or at least have minor dental health issues treated before they become major general wellness problems. Be sure to visit your dentist twice a year.
Learn More About Preventative Dental Care
To learn more about the different ways that you can prevent root canal infections and other kinds of serious dental health problems, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Louis Buono and his entire team look forward to your visit and helping you achieve excellent dental health and wellness.
