Don’t Want a Root Canal? Commit to Preventive Care!
October 15, 2021
Root canals aren’t most people’s idea of a good time. According to the American Association of Endodontists, 59% of people are afraid of undergoing root canal therapy. This is as common as the fear of public speaking, spiders, and being trapped in an elevator. The good news is that you can often times avoid the need for a root canal. Continue reading to learn some preventive steps you should be taking and how your dental insurance coverage plays a role.
Brush Twice Daily
Every day, take the time to brush your teeth twice and floss at least once. This way, you can remove harmful plaque and bacteria that cause issues like tooth decay and can lead to the need for root canal therapy to save damaged teeth.
Make Healthy Choices
Foods and drinks that are high in acid soften the protective enamel and leave it vulnerable to bacteria that are fueled by sugar. Consuming foods that contain large amounts of acid and sugar can cause you to experience enamel erosion and decay in the future, ultimately leading to the need for root canal therapy. Remember to be careful to limit the amount of soda, energy drinks, and fruit juices.
Go Easy on Hard Foods
If you’re enjoying something that is especially hard, you need to be careful. You could end up causing your teeth to chip or crack. When this happens, there is an easy route for bacteria to travel to the center of your tooth, therefore causing an infection. At this point, root canal therapy would be required to save your tooth.
Wear a Mouthguard
It’s a great idea to get outside and stay active, but you don’t want to put your smile at risk. If you end up with a cracked or broken tooth, you may require root canal therapy in order to repair it. By always using a mouthguard when you are engaging in contact sports, you can keep your mouth safe.
Use Your Preventive Coverage
Most dental insurance plans will include preventive services like checkups, professional cleanings, and routine x-rays. These services are especially important because they help to prevent oral health issues from occurring in the future. If you haven’t used your insurance benefits this year already, now’s the time to do so! At the end of the year, more insurance plans renew, and your benefits for the year will not carry over. You need to use it or else you will lose it.
No one wants to spend extra time in the dental chair getting a root canal. Take the steps listed above to keep your smile healthy. Don’t forget to schedule a checkup now to utilize your 2021 dental benefits!
About the Author
After starting out as a dental assistant and receptionist, Dr. Christina Church earned her dental doctorate from the Medical College of Georgia. She is committed to continuing education and joined the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics to study TMJ dysfunction therapy and BOTOX delivery for therapeutic and cosmetic reasons. To learn more about how dental insurance plays a role in preventive care or to schedule an appointment at her office in Daniel Island, visit her website or call (843) 881-4545.