No one wants to get a root canal. In fact, it is a fairly common fear that a lot of people live with. According to the American Association of Endodontics, 59% of people are afraid of getting a root canal. It is a more common fear then public speaking, spiders, and being trapped in an elevator! The good news is that there are many different ways that you can reduce your chances of ever needing one. Continue reading to learn about how preventive dentistry steps can help.
Brush Twice Daily
Every single day, you should be brushing your teeth twice for at least two minutes each time. This is the best way to remove harmful plaque and bacteria that cause tooth decay. By taking this step, you can save yourself from needing a root canal later on.
Floss Every Day
Unfortunately, your toothbrush cannot reach certain places in the mouth. That’s why it is necessary to floss along with brushing. This way, you can remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and beneath the gumline. In the end, you are less likely to need fillings or a root canal in the future.
Avoid Acidic and Sugary Foods
Foods and beverages that are acidic will soften your protective enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to bacteria, which is fueled by sugar. Having foods that are high in these ingredients option can cause you to experience both enamel erosion and decay. By limiting the amount of soda, energy drinks, and juice that you drink, you can avoid a root canal.
Be Careful with Hard Foods
If you are eating something that is hard, you will need to be especially careful. If you accidently chip or crack your tooth, bacteria can travel to the center of your tooth and cause an infection. At this point, you will need to have root canal therapy if you are going to save your tooth.
Use a Mouthguard
Staying active and getting plenty of exercise is important for optimal health, but some activities can be risky for your smile. By investing in a custom-made mouthguard from your dentist, you can keep your teeth from becoming broken or cracked when you are on the field. This way, there won’t be any root canals in your future.
Use Your Dental Insurance Coverage
For most people, their dental insurance plan covers preventive services like checkups, professional cleanings, routine x-rays, and more. These services are important because they help to prevent oral health issues from occurring in the future. If you haven’t utilized your insurance benefits this year already, now would be a great time to do so. At the end of the calendar year, most insurance plans will renew, and your benefits for this year will not carry over.
Instead of spending extra time at the dental office this holiday season, take the preventive steps above. This way, you can begin the new year with a healthy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Nancy Cabansag is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly 20 years. She earned her DDS from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and continues to take advanced education courses, mostly through her memberships in the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. For more information on preventing future dental issues or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (817) 561-2161.