Preventing Root Canal Infections

If you've ever suffered from a root canal infection, you know how painful they can be. If you haven't, it's best to keep it that way! Preventing root canal infections is easy with proper oral care. For those who suffer from root canal infections, restorative dentistry treatments can help repair the damage of root canal infections and get oral health back on track. You can help prevent root canal infections with these tips from Warsaw cosmetic dentists Bill Stofer and Jason Hemphill.

What Are Root Canal Infections?

A root canal infection refers to an infection of the inner pulp and nerve tissue of a tooth. This tissue may become infected as a result of extensive tooth decay. As tooth decay spreads, it can allow bacteria to access the inner root canal of the tooth, infecting the pulp and nerve tissue. Because root canal infections damage the tooth nerve, they are extremely painful. If left untreated, root canal infections can spread, resulting in painful, pus-filled abscesses or even tooth loss.

Tips to Prevent Root Canal Infections

Root canal infections are preventable. The easiest way to prevent root canal infections is to practice proper oral hygiene on a regular basis. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of developing root canal infections and keep your teeth healthy for years to come.

• Practice proper brushing techniques: Thorough brushing is one of the key ways to reduce the risk of tooth decay and root canal infection. Quickly brushing the teeth does not have the same effect as properly brushing the teeth. Properly brushing the teeth requires at least a full two minutes of brushing, paying special attention to the gum line and back teeth.
• Floss everyday: Flossing is vital to oral health, but so many of us skip this essential practice. Flossing reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay by removing plaque and bacteria between the teeth and along the gum line. Flossing reaches parts of the teeth brushing alone is not able to fully clean, making it important to the prevention of root canal infections.
• See your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings: You should see your dentist at least once every six months for a regular check-up and professional cleaning. Regular check-ups are important for catching damage at the earliest stages and professional cleanings help keep the teeth free of plaque and tartar build-up.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks: Sugary foods increase bacteria in our mouths, which increases the risk of tooth decay. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks can prevent root canal infections by reducing the risk of tooth decay.
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks: The acids in foods and drinks we consume are corrosive to tooth enamel. Consuming acidic foods and soft drinks can damage the tooth's enamel and lead to decay. Avoid highly acidic foods and drinks to prevent tooth decay and root canal infection.
• Rinse the mouth with water after eating: Rinsing the mouth with water after eating or drinking between brushing can remove food particles, including sugars, from the teeth and mouth. Water also helps neutralize acid to reduce the risk of tooth enamel erosion. Rinsing with water is a good way to reduce the risk of tooth decay between daily brushing and flossing.

Schedule an Appointment

Root canal infections should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Root canal therapy can restore oral health. To find out more, schedule an appointment with our team today.