5 Ways to Prevent Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy is required when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or has died.  With much information available on the web about how to 'cure' a tooth requiring root canal therapy, it is important to understand how a root canal can be prevented ... 

 

How can you protect the nerves of your teeth?

Practice Diligent Oral Hygiene - Daily brushing and flossing will help prevent cavities from forming, and protect the nerve of the tooth from disease.  A cavity left untreated allows the tissue inside the tooth to become decayed and infected.  

 

Protect Teeth from Trauma - Trauma to a tooth can cause degeneration of the nerve tissue.   In all contact sports, or in a sport where there is risk of falling and injury, wear a mouth guard.  This simple appliance can help to prevent fractures and loss of teeth due to sports injuries.  

Grinding and clenching is also a form of trauma that can lead to nerve inflammation and damage to your teeth.  Your dentist can identify signs of this habit that you might be unaware of and can recommend a night guard to help protect your teeth.

 

Early Detection - Visit your dentist regularly for oral hygiene visits and check-ups. At your regular visits, early stages of decay and other conditions can be diagnosed and followed up with treatment to maintain optimum oral health. 

Perform Treatment Recommended by Your Dentist -Your dentist is able to see your teeth differently than you are and has the technology available to detect issues that may be posing a threat to your teeth.  Your dentist will make a diagnosis and recommend treatment to help you preserve your teeth.  Quickly addressing treatment that has been diagnosed will help you to avoid major dental treatment such as root canal.

 

 Eat Healthy - Much of the food we consume today is highly processed and contains many ingredients that aggressively promote tooth decay. If your diet contains high amounts of refined and processed foods instead of a diet rich in whole, unprocessed or raw foods, you are at a greater risk for tooth decay.  Consumption of carbonated beverages and sports drinks also help to create the perfect environment for cavities to begin.  Avoid these beverages and choose water instead.

 

For more information on how we can help you to maintain your beautiful smile, call us today at 250-338-9085.

 

 

Battle of the Sexes - Dental Style

In 1965 James Brown sang "It's A Man's World."  A few years earlier, Harry Belafonte sang to us "That's right - the women are smarter!"  So who is right when it comes to dental health?

It turns out one group is more likely to have healthier gums, less plaque and tartar build-up, fewer areas of bleeding gums, and lower incidents of gum disease.  This group is also twice as likely to schedule regular dental check-ups and is much better at following through with treatment recommended by their dentist.

To top it off, they have a better understanding of oral health and a more positive attitude about visiting the dentist!  So just who are these dental superstars?

According to the Journal of Periodontology, a professional journal which publishes articles on gum disease - it's the "fairer sex" who has the advantage when it comes to dental health.  Maybe it is true that "the women are smarter!"

So does that mean females are less likely to have cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and stinky breath?  Sorry guys - the answer is yes.

The good news is - it seems to have nothing to do with genetics or the fact that women and men have a different chromosomal arrangement.  It is purely because women take better care of their teeth and gums and see their dentists more regularly.

So how about it guys?  It is time to "get on the stick" - or at least the toothbrush.  Start taking better care of your teeth and gums, and be sure to give us a call at 250-338-9085 to schedule your next appointment!  And women - keep up the good work!

At Acreview Dental Clinic, we care about ALL of our patients - men and women!  We are always here to answer any questions you may have about your dental health. 
Give us a call today to schedule your next visit!