How a Root Canal Procedure Can Help to Save Your Own Natural Teeth

As dentists will tell you, the tooth's structure consists of enamel, dentin and pulp. Proper hygiene, including brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist for cleaning, helps to protect the enamel from acids released by bacteria when they digest sugar. The tooth's sensitive pulp contains a nerve and requires the protection of the enamel.

Do You Have Bad Breath? It Might Be the Right Time for a Root Canal

Bad breath or halitosis can be a cause of embarrassment. For those who face people on a daily basis, this can be very problematic. A person can lose a certain amount of self-confidence when they face the world with bad breath. That’s not even the worst of it however. In addition to being an embarrassment, having consistently bad breath In spite of daily brushing is most often a symptom of a host of much more serious problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Other possible causes of bad breath include poor oral hygiene habits, diets, foods, and even some medications. By visiting a trusted dentist, one can determine what's causing their bad breath and seek out the best course of action for treatment.


How Tooth Decay Causes Bad Breath


It may sound like an oversimplification but it’s true that tooth decay and other gum diseases can be prevented simply by observing good oral hygiene habits. Tooth decay is the result of bacteria that destroys tooth enamel. When a person does not properly clean his teeth and tongue, it causes buildup of food residue and particles, providing the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. The bacteria Streptococcus mutans produces acid as it digests sugars from these food residues, which then attack and break down the dental enamel. Decaying tooth enamel results in bad breath.


Addressing Tooth Decay with a Root Canal


Tooth decay, in its early stages, can be treated with a fluoride product to stop further damage to the enamel. This treatment alone however cannot reverse tooth decay. For severe tooth decay, the dentist might suggest a root canal procedure to remove the damaged pulp of the tooth and the nerve. This way, the natural tooth won't have to be extracted but only repaired using a filling material.


Typically, the root canal procedure will solve one's bad breath, but in case it doesn't, then it might mean that something else is causing it. A trusted dentist will be able to determine the right treatment to address the problem.




Sources:

Oral cavity is main cause of bad breath, halimeter.com

Change Your Breath From Bad to Good, webmd.com

What to Do When Things Go Wrong in a Root Canal

When a large cavity has already damaged the root of your tooth, the pulp in the cavity could become infected and inflamed. Dentists perform a root canal, or endodontic treatment, to remove the infected pulp and replace it with an inert material or crown to protect the tooth.

Many root canal treatments are successful but some may result in complications, such as new infection or pain. Post-treatment complications may be due to the following:

These Damaging Habits May Eventually Lead to the Need for a Root Canal

Everyone wants to have a nice, healthy smile that lights up a room. However, having that type of smile does not simply come naturally. It takes work and good oral hygiene in order to keep your teeth in tip-top shape; otherwise, you may end up having to have a procedure to have the pulp removed.

How to Save a Life: Root Canal for Your Tooth

A root canal procedure is meant to repair and save a badly decayed or injured tooth. During the procedure, the soft area in the center of the tooth (otherwise known as the pulp) and the nerve are removed. The dentist then cleans the inside of the tooth and seals it.