When you have already experienced a root canal, you might want to make sure that you avoid that kind of procedure in the future. While you may already know that brushing and flossing will keep your teeth clean, here are some other pointers to take note of.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly, Even If You Aren't In Pain

After your root canal procedure is over, you may follow up with the oral surgeon or your dentist, but after that you might not make it a priority to have your other teeth checked out.

Not every dental problem is visible, and you might have painless problems that can become worse as time wears on. Unmonitored, these problems may need to be resolved with a root canal. Follow the recommendation of the American Dental Association, which is that you see a dental professional about twice a year (one time every six months).

Pay Attention to Minor Dental Issues

It is a good idea to take note of minor dental issues and remember to tell your dentist about them. For example, you might not think anything of grinding your teeth. However, over time, teeth grinding can cause tooth enamel to wear down so much that your dental nerves are exposed. That may make another root canal necessary.

Grinding your teeth can also result in teeth cracks. Should the cracks deepen until they reach the pulp of your teeth, it is possible that you'll need a root canal. Tell your dentist as much as you can about your mouth, teeth and gums, even if it doesn't seem important.

Consume Less Sugar

You may be brushing and flossing in order to keep your teeth in good shape and avoid dental problems that can require another root canal procedure. However, one additional thing you can do to make sure your teeth remain in good condition is to decrease the amount of sugar in your diet.

Sugar gives bacteria something to feed on. Plaque is made as a result of bacteria devouring any sugar on the surface of your teeth. Plaque can lead to a number of dental issues. That's why you have to consume less sugar. By doing so, you are able to decrease the kind of bacterial activity that leads to cavities that make another root canal necessary.

Now that you know some things you can do to avoid having another root canal, use the information laid out above to help you make better choices. You might also want to talk to the oral surgeon who performed your root canal to see if they have additional suggestions for you.

To learn more, contact an oral surgeon office like Peak Family Dentistry & Orthodontics. 

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