Your teeth are surprisingly tough. This is partly because they are coated in a hard layer of enamel. It’s also because they have evolved over millions of years to be stronger than the foods you eat.
However, modern diets are full of sugar which is dangerous to tooth health. Sugar reacts with bacteria in your mouth, creating a by-product of acid. This acid will erode the enamel on your teeth. Looking after your teeth and preventing this from happening means brushing twice a day, flossing once, and paying regular visits to your local holistic dentist.
While a traditional dentist can help, the holistic approach integrates your overall health with your oral health. The two are linked, so it makes sense for a dentist to take note of both.
Understanding Root Canal
When the enamel is eroded bacteria can enter the tooth and reach the pulp chamber below. This is where the nerve and many other canals merge. At this stage, it will often be necessary for a dentist to perform root canal surgery. This involves entering the root canal space, draining it of any pus, and then cleaning the area.
The dentist will then fill over the top, leaving the space clean. In some cases filling over the top isn’t an option, the dentist will fit a crown instead.
Regular visits to the dentist will identify when you have issues and correct them before a root canal is needed. However, you should still be aware of the common signs you have a root canal issue.
1. Continual Pain
You know there is an issue when you have a constant toothache. An odd instance of toothache can be accepted and even ignored. But, if you have a continual toothache you’re going to need to see a dentist. It means bacteria have entered the nerve area of your tooth and are aggravating the nerve. This causes the pain and it can be difficult to eliminate with traditional painkillers.
2. Tooth Sensitivity
Because the nerves are already inflamed and there is a path to them, you’ll suddenly notice your tooth becoming very sensitive to hot and cold items.
Tooth sensitivity can happen as you age and the enamel on your teeth wears down. But, if it’s one specific tooth then you may have a root canal issue.
3. Gums Swollen
Swollen gums or small lumps along the gum line indicate there is an infection in that area. It’s most likely to be coming from a root canal issue. If left, the infection will get worse and you’ll start to lose material from your jawbone, weakening the tooth and meaning it will need to be extracted.
4. Damaged Tooth
A damaged tooth is an early sign that a root canal will be needed. If you chip or break your tooth then the bacteria will find it much easier to get to your nerves and cause pain as well as infect the area.
In short, if you have a damaged tooth get it sorted. If not, you’re almost certain to end up needing root canal surgery.
5. Dark Gums
Finally, while receding gums are a sign of gum disease, dark gums are a sign the gums are dying. This is a result of the infection in the root canal area, killing your tooth and then your gums. You need dental help quickly.