5 Tips to Avoid a Root Canal with Proper Oral Hygiene

Posted on September 28, 2018

A root canal is one of the most common procedures performed by Dr. Skoulas in her San Francisco office. There are many reasons why patients may need a root canal and many ways to prevent it from being necessary in the first place. As much pride as Dr. Skoulas has when helping her patients feel better about their dental health by providing root canals, she also wants to prevent them from having to visit her in the future. Here are five common oral hygiene tips to help patients in San Francisco avoid having to undergo a root canal procedure.

Chew with Caution

Hard candy and ice are two of the most common items that can cause damage to the teeth. When cracks form in the teeth, bacteria can enter the tooth and begin the process of infection. As tempting as it may be to chew on these items throughout the day, avoid them as much as possible to reduce the chances of having to have a root canal.

Always Protect the Mouth

People in San Francisco are active. Whether it’s hiking, biking, climbing or playing any sport, people are always outdoors enjoying themselves. While these are great activities to participate in, it’s also important to remember to protect the mouth. Using a mouthguard can prevent damage to the teeth in case an accident occurs.

It’s also important to not overlook the importance of protecting the teeth at night as well. People in San Francisco who grind or clench their teeth should consider wearing a mouthguard to prevent fractures in their teeth while sleeping, which could expose the roots of the teeth and potentially lead to the need for a root canal.

Rinse After Consuming Acidic Substances

Everyone consumes acidic foods and drinks. It may be impossible to eliminate them entirely, but people can help their teeth tremendously by rinsing them with water after consumption. Acid can stain the teeth, as well as break down tooth enamel, so a quick swish of water will wash it away and promote healthy teeth.

Never Ignore Tooth Discomfort

A person’s teeth should feel painless. As such, it’s also important to still do a self-evaluation of the teeth to determine whether there are any concerns. Even the slightest bit of discomfort could lead to a larger issue, so there’s no harm in calling Dr. Skoulas for an evaluation. The earlier a potential problem is detected, the better the chances are of avoiding a root canal.

Get Regular Dental Checkups

There’s no better way to prevent a root canal than by making regular visits to the dentist. A dentist can identify potential problems before the patient even notices them and can suggest preventative actions to take to alleviate the issue. Other treatment options are sometimes available, so patients won’t have to have a root canal.

At Skoulas, DDS, we love seeing our patients, but we also want them to have excellent oral health. We not only help patients in San Francisco with their existing dental issues, but we also want to ensure no future problems occur. Dr. Skoulas has been voted one of the best dentists in the Bay Area, and we want to prove to you why.

Contact us at (415) 757-0110 for any dental concerns you may have.