According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), 59% of people are afraid of getting a root canal. This beats some of the other common fears, like public speaking, spiders, and getting stuck in an elevator. Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to reduce your chances of needing root canal treatment in the near future. This includes using your dental insurance coverage for preventive care. Read on to learn more from your dentist about how you can keep your smile in good condition!
Brush Twice Daily
Many people slack on their daily brushing. By brushing your teeth twice per day, you are removing harmful plaque and bacteria that can cause issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. It can even save you from needing root canal treatment.
Floss Every Day
Your toothbrush cannot clean every surface in your mouth. That’s why it is so important that you floss every day. This will help you to clean away plaque and bacteria hiding between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
Wear a Mouthguard
Getting outside to play sports is great for your oral health, but dental injuries are never fun/ Make sure that you are always wearing a mouthguard when engaging in contact sports of any activities where you could experience a blow to the face.
Limit Acidic & Sugary Foods
The acid in foods and drinks can soften the enamel, leaving it vulnerable to bacteria that are fueled by sugar. Ultimately, you are more likely to experience enamel erosion and decay. Save the soda, energy drinks, and fruit juices for occasions.
Be Careful with Hard Foods
Be careful when you are eating foods that are particularly hard and can cause your teeth to chip or crack. When this happens, there’s an easy route for bacteria to navigate the center of your tooth. Ultimately, this can result in the need for a root canal.
Utilize Your Preventive Coverage!
There are several preventive services that are provided. Usually, they include regular oral exams, professional cleanings, and routine X-rays. These services are important because they help to prevent oral health issues from occurring in the future. Most dental plans cover preventive services because it is such an important part of your oral and overall health. If you haven’t utilized your dental insurance benefits for preventive care yet this year, there is no better time to do so. For more insurance companies, these benefits will expire by the end of the year and do not carry over. If you don’t use it, your benefits will go to waste.
No one wants a root canal. Be sure to take the steps above to reduce your likelihood of requiring one. By scheduling your next visit before the end of the year, you are a stop closer to keeping your smile healthy!
About the Practice
At Denton Dental Care, Dr. Todd Balington and Dr. Naveen Karim work together to treat patients in the Denton area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dental insurance and what it covers, visit our website or call (940) 383-3300.