How to prevent root canal tooth decay

If there’s one trip to the dentist you want to avoid more than any other, it’s for root canal treatment. It starts as a humble cavity – a small amount of decay in the tooth – but left unchecked that decay deepens, and before you know it you’ve got inflamed nerve tissues within the tooth and you need root canal treatment. In extreme cases the tooth will need to be removed.

At Parramatta Dental Studio we will treat any root canal issues that you might have and do our best to save the tooth. However, prevention is better than cure, and even if you come and see us once or twice per year, good dental hygiene – and the prevention of root canal issues – starts at home.

1. Brush – and floss! – twice daily. This almost goes without saying, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to brush their teeth in the morning or at night. Many more forget to floss, which is enough to make the gaps in the tooth a haven fortooth and root-damaging bacteria.
2. Avoid acidic drinks like soft drinks and fruit juices. It’s not just the sugar (though that is an issue as well), but the acid in the drinks can break down tooth enamel and leave the tooth vulnerable to bacteria.
3. Avoid hard foods. Hard candies, ice (if you’re an ice cruncher), and even foods like apples and carrots (if you’ve got weaker teeth) can easily crack your teeth. It only takes one crack for bacteria to be able to invade the tooth and start the decay or irritation of the nerve tissues inside the tooth.
4. Wear a mouth guard when playing sport. Sport is high impact, and any sport can cause you to bump and grind your teeth together – not just the impact sports! Wearing a mouth guard helps to decrease the effects of tooth to tooth trauma like clenching or grinding andminimises the chances of cracks appearing in the teeth – the same reason that you should wear a night guard or occlusal splint when sleeping, if you know you grind or clench your teeth together at night too.

Of course, you should have frequent check-ups too, and your friendly dentist at Parramatta Dental Studio will be able to identify any cavities or signs of tooth decayand provide you with suggested treatments there and then.