This year, the time period from May 12 to June 12 is National Smile Month, which is a time for spreading awareness of why good oral health is important. On top of that, May 14 is Root Canal Appreciation Day, a holiday dedicated to dispelling the misconceptions surrounding root canal treatments. In honor of both of these events, now is the perfect opportunity to expand your oral health knowledge. Here’s a quick look at steps you can take to protect your smile, as well as how root canal treatment can help relieve your tooth pain.
Taking Care of Your Smile: 4 Easy Steps
Even though tooth decay and gum disease are preventable, far too many people end up suffering from them due to missteps in oral care. If you want to keep your smile in excellent shape, it’s highly recommended that you follow these steps:
- Step 1: Maintain Good Brushing Habits: You should brush your teeth at least two times a day. Each brushing session should last two minutes. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-based toothpaste.
- Step 2: Clean Between Your Teeth: It’s hard to effectively remove plaque and food particles from the spaces between your teeth with a toothbrush alone. As such, make sure that you’re flossing on a daily basis.
- Step 3: Limit Your Sugar Intake: Sugary foods are known to significantly increase your risk for cavities and gum disease. You don’t need to avoid them altogether, but you should make a point of only consuming them in moderation.
- Step 4: Visit Your Dentist: Making time to see your dentist at least twice a year is the most reliable way to have dental issues identified while they’re still small and relatively easy to deal with.
Root Canal Treatment: Why It’s Nothing to Fear
Root canal treatment has a reputation for being a particularly painful procedure, but this is not true. Not only is a local anesthetic used to prevent you from experiencing discomfort during the process, but the goal of the treatment is to put a stop to any pain that you might be experiencing as a result of a tooth infection.
Root canals are necessary when harmful bacteria have gotten past your enamel and started attacking the pulp at the center of your tooth. The bacteria can cause an infection that is not only painful but can also put the tooth at risk. By having a root canal treatment performed, you can find lasting relief and potentially save your tooth. Also, after the procedure, your dentist will refill the tooth with a special material and restore it with a crown; these steps ensure that the tooth is strong enough to function normally.
The more you know about oral health and dentistry, the easier it is to protect your smile. Don’t hesitate to let your dentist know if you have any questions about root canal treatment or potential weak spots in your oral hygiene routine.
About the Author
Dr. Dina H. Cocco studied dentistry at the University of Michigan, and she has been offering her patients warm, personable dental care since 1990. She offers a full range of preventive and restorative dental services at her practice in Ann Arbor. She can also provide effective root canal treatments, complete with build-up and restoration afterward. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cocco, visit her website or call (734) 668-8636.