Smart Tips for Preventing Root Canal Infection

Many of the problems people have with their teeth are preventable with good oral care. This includes cavities, oral infection, and gum disease. Good oral hygiene combined with routine dental cleanings can prevent root canal infection and the risk of losing natural teeth. These tips from Dental Health and Wellness in Colorado Springs, CO, can help reduce your risk of oral infections and keep your smile healthy and bright long-term.

Tips for Preventing Root Canal Infection

Your teeth are composed of layers which contribute to their health, strength, and beauty. The hard outer layers of enamel and dentin protect the soft inner pulp, which houses your tooth’s connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. Poor oral hygiene can lead to decay forming on the enamel of your tooth. Left untreated, this decay will eat away at the enamel and dentin to infect the pulp, causing a root canal infection. At this stage, the only way to save your tooth is to have the pulp removed. The good news is that root canal infections can be prevented by protecting your teeth from cavities. 

Here are some tips to minimize the risk of cavities: 

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene : Your oral hygiene habits play a key role in keeping your teeth strong, healthy and cavity-free. Some good habits to establish are brushing twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once daily to remove particles of food and debris that brushing misses, and rinsing with fluoride mouthwash to leave your mouth fresh and clean. 
2. Schedule Bi-annual Dental Cleanings : See your dentist twice annually for dental cleaning. Your Colorado dentist uses special tools to eliminate plaque and bacteria in areas your toothbrush misses. Dr. Brady will also inspect your mouth for signs of cavities that require treatment, to keep decay from developing into a root canal infection later on.   
3. Treat Decay Immediately : Untreated decay is one of the main causes of root canal infection. Neglecting dental visits can result in cavities going untreated. By the time you feel painful symptoms, the infection has already spread beyond the enamel of your tooth. Early detection and treatment of decay can save you the time and expense of having root canal treatment in the future. 
4. Eat Nutritious Foods : Eat healthy foods that support your oral health, not weaken it. Processed, acidic, and sugary foods and drinks can weaken your tooth enamel, putting you at greater risk of developing cavities. In contrast, foods like yogurt, milk, cheese, salmon, and green, leafy vegetables that are rich in calcium and other essential vitamins strengthen your teeth to minimize your risk of cavities.

In the event you need a root canal, you can turn to Dr. Brady and our team for safe and effective endodontic (root canal) treatment. Although root canal therapy has a high success rate, we also offer failed root canal options to those who need them.

Root Canal Treatment Near Me

To schedule a consultation for root canal therapy, contact Dr. Chris Brady from Dental Health and Wellness in Colorado Springs, CO, at (719) 215-9292. 

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