Teeth problems are not a new thing. People are struggling with dental issues since the ancient times. There are different treatments for different dental problems. One of the most common and popular treatments is root canal treatment. Even today the term root canal has created dental phobia in the minds of people. All people want to know is how do I never land up in a root canal situation? How do I prevent a root canal treatment? Let us understand the root cause and how to avoid root canal.

It all starts with plaque

Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. Plaque starts to form on the teeth soon after they have been brushed, and if not removed or if not brushed properly it starts to harden into tartar (calculus) within 24–36 hours.

Plaque that is not removed by daily brushing and flossing can cause tooth decay and gum disease. If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it will harden in about 24 to 36 hours. Hardened plaque is called tartar or calculus. Plaque is a clear, sticky film that is constantly forming on our teeth. The bacteria in the plaque use sugars, starches and other carbohydrates in the diet to make acids that can dissolve tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Bacteria also produce toxins that cause gum disease, bad breath and even cavities.

Plaque turns into cavity

The main reason for cavities to happen is the plaque on the surfaces of your teeth. Plaques lead to cavities and cavities reach the nerve of the tooth. This is when you need a root canal treatment. Plaque is made up of bacteria that feed on sugar in your mouth and produce acid as a by-product. This acid erodes the enamel of your teeth and causes damage to them.

When plaque has been allowed to remain on the teeth for a long time, it hardens into calculus or tartar. Tartar is much harder than plaque, and is more difficult to remove with ordinary brushing.

Tooth enamel is the protective coating on your teeth – it’s the hardest substance in the human body! But it can be damaged by acids in our mouth, caused when sugar reacts with bacteria found there. This weakens the enamel and may lead to cavities or tooth decay.

Cavity to root canal stage

Cavities are not always visible at first but they can affect any part of the tooth including in between teeth where they are very difficult to see. When left untreated, these cavities can grow deeper into teeth over time and eventually reach the nerve of the tooth (the soft tissue inside teeth that contains blood vessels and nerves). This is when you may experience pain and sensitivity and at times even swelling in the affected tooth. The best way to avoid root canal treatments is by taking care of your oral health!

Acting on your plaque is the key to avoid a root canal

How can you avoid this kind of dental problem? Rather how can you avoid a root canal? The answer is simple, get your teeth cleaned by a professional hygienist because teeth cleaning acts on your plaque.

Removing plaque is one of the most important things you can do to keep your gums healthy and avoid cavities and root canal treatments. When you are able to avoid cavities you win the war. You save yourself from root canal treatments too. When plaque is not cleaned that’s when you will find yourself in a root canal fix.

The impact of teeth cleaning

Teeth cleaning is a procedure where the dentist uses special tools that cleans all the surfaces of your teeth and between the teeth. Deep teeth cleaning also removes the bacteria and food debris between the gums and tooth. This creates a healthy condition for the gums as well as reduces the chances of bacterial attack on the tooth causing cavities.

Brushing alone does not suffice

Tooth decay can be prevented by brushing your teeth and flossing regularly. But that only gets rid of the plaque from your mouth but what about the plaque which is present inside your teeth? Though brushing twice is necessary, brushing alone cannot help you avoid root canal. For that, you need a professional solution.

No matter how much you brush or floss there will always be some amount of residual bacteria still left in your mouth. Teeth cleaning helps you get rid of the hidden food debris and bacteria in the areas where the brush and floss cannot reach. By keeping up with regular dental cleanings, you reduce your chances as well as avoid root canal later down the line.

The bottom line

While root canal is a painful and involved procedure, a regular dental check up may help detect it early and prevent the painful process. Regular teeth cleaning every 6 months and polishing every 3 months can save it all. It all starts with plaque. Acting on your plaque is the key to prevent the onset of tooth cavities and further avoid a root canal treatment. So you eliminate plaque to avoid root canals.

Highlights

• It all starts with plaque. Plaque is the root cause of tooth cavities.
• Eliminating plaque is the key to avoid root canals.
• Teeth cleaning is a procedure done by your dentist to remove all the plaque and bacteria from your mouth in the areas where the brush and floss cannot reach.
• Teeth cleaning and polishing every 6 months can prevent root canals.