Preventing Root Canal Infections: Why This Is Crucial
A root canal infection refers to the bacterial infection of the interior soft tissues of the tooth. Dr. Jean E. Barthman has treated these kinds of problems many times at her practice in Redwood City, using the latest restorative dentistry treatments to improve dental health and wellness.
We'd like to take this opportunity to go over the basics of root canal infections and how they can be prevented.
What is a root canal infection?
To understand this, it's ideal to consider the anatomy of a tooth. Inside of each tooth is a small amount of soft tissue known as dental pulp. This dental pulp is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that was essential for the development of the tooth and assists a tooth in feeling sensations of heat, cold, and pressure.
A root canal infection occurs when bacteria breaches the outer layers of tooth structure and accesses the internal pulp of the tooth.
Why should root canal infections be taken seriously?
Root canal infections can be extremely painful. Left untreated, a root canal infection can result in the spread of the infection to other parts of the mouth. In order to treat the infection, a root canal treatment must be performed, which involves the removal of the diseased dental pulp and the filling of the interior chamber of the tooth with an inert material.
To avoid a root canal treatment, the following preventative treatments are recommended.
Good Dental Hygiene Is Key for Prevention
The basics of good dental hygiene are always important. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss your teeth at least once at night. Ideally, you'll want to brush and floss after every meal.
Regular Dental Visits Are Also Very Helpful
Meeting with your dentist for regular dental visits is also an important part of proper dental care and prevention. Be sure to go to these visits are scheduled so you can keep your smile as healthy as possible.
Root Planing and Scaling Treatment Is Ideal for Prevention
One treatment that you may undergo at a certain point is root planing and scaling, which is also known as deep cleaning. This allows dentists to remove plaque and tartar down at the gumline, which prevent cavities that may form in hard-to-treat places.
Wear Mouth Protection to Prevent Tooth Damage
Injuries to teeth such as serious chips and cracks can make root canal infections more likely. If you play contact sports or engage in combat sports, be sure to wear mouth protection such as a retainer or a mouth guard. This can prevent major injuries to the teeth.
Eat Slowly to Prevent Potential Injury
We've all heard stories about people who've bitten into hard objects by accident, such as unpopped popcorn kernels or even bones they weren't expecting. It's a good idea to eat slow and cautiously to avoid major damage to the teeth. This will also allow you to enjoy your food more.
Do Not Chew on Hard or Inedible Objects
Chewing on pen caps, straws, fingernails, and other objects of this kind is a social faux pas. It can also lead to damage to the teeth and major injuries. Be sure to cut these bad habits out and avoid chewing things that should not be chewed.
Seek Help Right Away When Your Teeth Are Injured
If you suffer from a major tooth injury, it's of the utmost importance that you seek medical help or emergency dental care as soon as possible. This reduces the likelihood of root canal infections occurring.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Jean E. Barthman
To learn more about maintaining your overall dental health and keeping your smile looking beautiful, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry practice today. Dr. Barthman looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve the healthiest smile possible.