If you have had a root canal before, you might be wondering what you can do to avoid having another root canal in the future, other than brushing and flossing. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself from needing another root canal.

See Your Dentist Even if You are in No Pain

One of the best things you can do to avoid another root canal is to ensure you're seeing your dentist on a regular basis. You cannot see all dental problems in the mirror, and many dental problems, such as cavities, can form without any pain at all. However, if these unnoticed details are not monitored, they may get worse over time and develop into problems that require root canal treatment. The American Dental Association now recommends that you visit your dentists about every six months, so make time to have your teeth examined often.

Pay Attention to Minor Dental Issues

If you already know that you have some minor issues with your teeth, it is important to ensure that you tell your dentist. For instance, if you know that you grind your teeth, you may not think of seeing a dentist about it. However, grinding your teeth can wear down enamel enough to expose dental nerves, which could result in the need for a root canal. Not only that, but in some cases grinding your teeth can cause cracks in your teeth; if these cracks reach the pulp of your tooth, you may 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.

Cut Down on Sugar

It may seem obvious that you need to brush and floss so that you don't develop cavities that ultimately need root canal treatment. However, you may not know that there are things you can do to help your teeth repel the bacteria that cause tooth infections that later require root canal procedures. One thing you can do to avoid proliferation of this bacteria is to cut down on your intake of sugar.

Sugar provides food for bacteria to feed on; as bacteria devours the sugar left on your teeth after a sugary snack or drink, plaque is created. Over time, that plaque can compromise your teeth. Therefore, cut down on the amount of sugar in your diet. That way, you can cut down on the bacterial activity that can lead to the kind of dental problems that will cause you to need another root canal.

Now that you've read some suggestions for preventing a future root canal procedure, be sure to use the information above to maintain healthy teeth. Talk to your dentist or endodontist, like those at Dodson Endodontics, for more pointers on good dental health.