Root canal treatments are necessary for repairing teeth that have been damaged by deep decay, serious gum disease or traumatic injury. Although the treatment is very effective at saving teeth and getting rid of dental pain, prevention is always better than cure. Here are five ways to avoid needing a root canal treatment.
1. Brush With Fluoride Toothpaste
The best way to protect your teeth from decay is to brush them every day using a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps to strengthen the enamel coating that protects teeth from decay. By brushing every morning and evening with fluoride toothpaste, you can remove plaque from your teeth and help to keep them healthy and free from cavities.
2. Attend Dental Checkups Regularly
A root canal treatment is appropriate for a deep cavity that extends down into the root of the tooth, causing pain. However, cavities that are detected before they reach the dental root can be more easily treated with a simple amalgam or composite filling. By attending regular dental checkups, you can ensure that your dentist recognises the early signs of a cavity developing, and you can then get it filled before it spreads.
3. Don't Ignore Dental Pain
Toothache is often a sign that you have a cavity that requires urgent treatment. The longer you ignore a toothache, the further decay is likely to spread into the tooth. The treatment you need is likely to be much less invasive — and less costly — if you visit a dentist as soon as the pain arises.
Tooth sensitivity is a much milder form of pain that is triggered by eating foods that are very hot or cold. You should not ignore this kind of dental sensation either. Sensitivity can be a sign of thinning enamel, which can put you at high risk of developing a cavity.
4. Protect Teeth During Sports
Some root canal treatments are carried out on teeth that have been damaged during sports games. Always wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports to prevent blows from damaging the roots of your teeth.
5. Eat a Tooth-Friendly Diet
Diet can play a big role in the likelihood of someone needing a root canal treatment. Sugary and acidic foods, particularly soda, make cavities more likely. On the other hand, calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, fortified dairy alternatives, leafy greens and chickpeas, can help to strengthen tooth enamel and protect teeth from decay.