Dental Tips

Recently I had to visit a dentist for my dental pain. I have a cavity in one molar, which needs to be filled, and another requires root canal treatment. Only now I realize the importance of brushing regularly. I would like to share with you, what I have learnt due to this pain. Top 10 Myths About Root Canals. 1. Root Canals Hurt According to the American Association of Endodontists, the perception of root canals being painful began decades ago when root canal treatments were painful. Today, with modern technology and better anesthetics, root canal treatments are no more painful than having a filling. Knowing what to expect while having a root canal can help ease a lot of anxiety. 2. Root Canals Require a lot of Visits to the Dentist With today’s cutting edge technology, most root canals can be performed in one or two office visits. 3. Crowns Cause Teeth to Need Root Canals Many people believe that having a crown on a tooth means that the tooth will eventually need a root canal. Crowns do not cause the need for root canal therapy. If a crowned tooth does require a root canal, it could be that the tooth has abscessed or that decay has gotten underneath the crown and reached the pulp of the tooth. 4. Root Canals Cause Illness There is no evidence to support that root canals cause illness. However, there is evidence to support the fact that people who have had root canals are no more at risk for developing illness than people who have never had root canals. 5. Root Canals Involve Removing the Roots of the Tooth When the dentist or endodontist performs a root canal treatment, he or she remove the pulp from inside of the tooth. The roots of the tooth are not removed. 6. Pregnant Women Can't Have Root Canals Pregnant women can and do have root canals. Having a root canal does require a small x-ray, but the radiation exposure is very minimal and the x-ray is aimed at the mouth, not the abdomen area. If you are pregnant and your dentist needs to give you an x-ray, he will use a lead apron to cover your belly. The anesthetics that dentists use are also safe for pregnant women. Be sure to let your dentist know beforehand if you are pregnant. 7. Even With A Root Canal, The Tooth Will Come Out Eventually If you have your tooth properly restored, maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular checkups, your natural tooth could last for the rest of your life. 8. If the Tooth Doesn't Hurt, There is no Need for a Root Canal While a throbbing toothache usually results in the need for root canal treatment, many times a tooth can require root canal treatment when there is no pain present. Dentists and endodontists are specially trained to test a tooth to see if the pulp has been infected or damaged. If this is the case, a root canal would be necessary to save the tooth. 9. Pulling the Tooth is Better than Getting a Root Canal Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is very important for proper eating and chewing functions. There are several options available for missing teeth, such as dentures, partial dentures, dental implants and fixed dental bridges, however, these alternatives can be much more expensive than saving your tooth with a root canal treatment. 10. After Having a Root Canal, My Tooth is Completely Restored After having a root canal, it is extremely important to make a follow-up appointment with your dentist to have the tooth permanently restored. After the pulp of the tooth has been removed, the tooth can become very dry and brittle. Having a permanent restoration will help protect your tooth from fracturing. Brushing Tips Brushing should take about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Get a soft toothbrush; the packaging should identify it as such. Never use medium or hard brushes because they can damage your gums and cause recession. Brush your teeth at least two to three times a day, and after each meal if you can. You might want to set a brushing schedule so you keep at it. Brush the backside (or inside) surfaces of your teeth - both upper and lower. Take your time and be gentle when doing this. It requires angling the tooth brush to get these surfaces. For the lower front teeth, angle the brush so the bristles are slightly below the gum line and gently pull up and out so the brush lifts any plaque and debris from around your lower gum line and teeth. Repeat this approximately five to seven times for each area of the front teeth. When your toothbrush bristles fray out or become too soft, usually after 3 months, it is time to get a new toothbrush. (You can find toothbrushes that change color when the brush is ready to be thrown out.) If your gums start bleeding, it means they are out of shape. Make sure you are brushing properly! Visit a dentist at least twice a year for an exam and x-rays, and a cleaning. Consider using mouthwash after you brush for a fresh, clean feeling and added protection against gingivitis, etc. Floss daily. Dentists say that the minimum time you should spend brushing your teeth is 2 minutes twice a day. Here are some tips on how to brush properly: Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your gumline. Gently brush from where the tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface in short (about half-a-tooth-wide) strokes. Brushing too hard can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and, over time, loose teeth. Use the same method to brush all outside and inside surfaces of your teeth. To clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth, use short sweeping strokes, tipping the bristles into the pits and crevices. To clean the inside surfaces of your top and bottom front teeth and gums, hold the brush almost vertical. With back and forth motions, bring the front part of the brush over the teeth and gums. Using a forward-sweeping motion, gently brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove the decay-causing bacteria that exist in these places. Use an egg timer or play a favorite song while brushing your teeth to get used to brushing for a full 2 to 3 minutes. Some electronic toothbrushes have timers that let you know when 2 minutes are up. Facts on Flossing Brushing is important but it won't remove the plaque and particles of food between your teeth, under the gumline, or under braces. You'll need to floss these spaces at least once a day. The type of floss you choose depends on how much space you have between your teeth. Dentists usually recommend unwaxed floss because it's thinner and easier to slide through small spaces. However, studies have shown that there is no major difference in the effectiveness based on the type of floss used. With any floss, you should be careful to avoid injuring your gums. Follow these instructions: Carefully insert the floss between two teeth, using a back and forth motion. Gently bring the floss to the gumline, but don't force it under the gums. Curve the floss around the edge of your tooth in the shape of the letter "C" and slide it up and down the side of each tooth. Repeat this process between all your teeth, and remember to floss the back sides of your back teeth.