What Happens If You Ignore a Root Canal? – The Cost of Neglect Hello everyone! The consequences of skipping a root canal is a topic that many individuals would prefer to avoid nowadays. It’s possible that you’ll be tempted to say, “It’s just a toothache; it’ll pass.” But let’s face it, putting off a root canal might result in issues that extend far beyond your mouth. So let’s get started, shall we? The Cause of the Problem To begin with, why would you require a root canal? A tooth’s pulp can become infected or inflamed, which can result in excruciating pain and sensitivity. If you don’t deal with it, it can become worse and become much more serious. It’s like a ticking time bomb in your mouth, so be careful! The Worse Things Come to Pass A root canal won’t magically go if you ignore it; it’s not like ignoring a little discomfort. It’s possible for the infection to spread to nearby tissues or even to other areas of your body. Here is a brief summary of what might occur: Abscess Development A pus-filled pocket that develops around the tooth root is known as an abscess. In addition to sounding unpleasant, it is uncomfortable and may cause edema. Dental Loss The infected tooth may become weaker over time and eventually fall out. Losing a tooth can have an impact on your ability to chew and even speak; it’s not only an aesthetic problem. Bones Deteriorating The infection may weaken your jawbone by spreading there. Numerous other dental problems, such as the loss of other teeth, may result from this. Systemic Illness In severe situations, the infection may get into your circulation and spread to other body regions. Sepsis is a serious, sometimes fatal illness. The Cost: Prevention is Less Expensive You may be saying to yourself, “Root canals are expensive!” Despite the fact that, the price of putting off a root canal is substantially higher. Later on, you might require more involved, pricey treatments, not to mention possible hospital expenses if the problem spreads. Don’t Underestimate the Emotional Cost Living with ongoing pain can have an impact on your relationships, relationships at work, and mood. It’s a big weight that can easily be removed. The Bright Side: There Is Still Time what is good news? There is never a bad time to act. It’s time to get a root canal if you’ve been putting it off. With the advancement of dental technology, procedures are now more comfortable than ever. In addition, many dental insurance policies defray at least a portion of the expense. The Verdict: Don’t Take a Chance on Your Health You don’t want to run the danger of ignoring a root canal. Both your health and your bank account are at risk. So, heed the instructions if your dentist suggests a root canal. You’ll essentially be sparing yourself a world of suffering. You now know the true expense of skipping a root canal. Contact Hillcrest Dental as soon as possible if you require dental care. Every step of the way, our team of professionals is available to help you.Always remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health. Keep those bright whites gleaming till next time! Published by Dr. Namrata Shah Trending

Which Comes First: the Brush or Floss? You most likely have a well-established nightly oral hygiene routine, but you may be curious if there is an optimal sequence when it comes to taking care of your smile. A 2018 research study reported that flossing before brushing removes more plaque than the other way around.  Too keep your smiles as plaque-free as possible in between professional teeth cleanings, try performing your smile routine in this order: floss, mouthwash, and finish with your toothbrush.  Step 1: Floss Flossing is not a task to rush through. Floss removes harmful plaque and calculus between the teeth. Many people think that just popping the floss in between the teeth is sufficient. However, to effectively remove plaque, it is best to floss slowly. Go up and around each tooth and use a new section of floss for each tooth.  Step 2: Mouthwash Did you know brushing your teeth only cleans about 25% of your mouth? The rest of the mouth still has harmful bacteria lurking that can easily transfer to the teeth. Mouthwash rinses away bacteria, freshens breath, and rebalances pH levels in the mouth. Incorporating a mouthwash with the ADA seal of approval will take your oral hygiene routine to the next level. Many people are tempted to finish their routine with mouthwash, but using mouthwash after brushing rinses away the active ingredients in toothpaste. It is best to use mouthwash in between flossing and brushing to remove excess food particles that come loose during flossing. Step 3: Brush While flossing and mouthwash may only be part of your nightly routine, you should brush your teeth both after breakfast and before you go to sleep. Brush your teeth for a full two minutes every time you brush. You can ensure you get the full two minutes in by setting a timer, playing a two-minute song, or using an eclectic toothbrush with a built-in timer. You should dedicate 30 seconds to each quadrant of the mouth to get a thorough cleaning. Use a type of toothpaste with fluoride for added protection against cavities.  No matter what order your brush and floss, it is more important that you do them every day and correctly. Give this sequence a try! If it is not for you, don’t sweat it! You can still maintain a healthy smile no matter what order you choose to perform your oral hygiene routine.  Published by Dr. Namrata Shah Trending

The True Cost of Soda Many people occasionally enjoy a soda at the movies, while others indulge in a soft drink at every meal. Before you crack open your next can of soda, you may want to learn more about how these bubbly beverages affect your oral health.  The average 12 oz can of soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar. When this sugar interacts with the bacteria in the mouth, it forms an acid that attacks the teeth. Then, it takes approximately 20 minutes after you finish your drink for your mouth to neutralize the acid. Therefore, if you sip on a soda for a few hours, your teeth will be under constant attack. Drinking soda like this often can lead to enamel erosion and cavities.  Erosion: Enamel is the strong outer coating of teeth. Enamel protects your teeth while you bite and chew. However, once the enamel wears away, it cannot grow back, making the teeth more susceptible to decay and damage. The acid your mouth creates from the sugar in soft drinks slowly erodes the enamel leaving the teeth weaker. Plus, most sodas contain phosphoric acid and citric acid, which also cause erosion.  Cavities: Drinking soda regularly puts people at a high risk of tooth decay. People who drink three sodas a day on average have 62% more tooth decay than people who don’t drink soda. Not only does soda weaken the enamel, but it also encourages bacteria growth in your mouth, putting individuals at a higher risk for cavities.  But What About Diet Soda? You may be wondering if diet soda has the same negative effects because it doesn’t have any sugar. Just like regular soda, many diet sodas contain phosphoric acid and citric acid. To put in perspective how acidic diet soda can be: battery acid has a pH level of 1.0, pure water has a pH level of 7.0, and diet soda can have a pH level as low as 3.0. Frequent exposure to these acidic diet sodas can cause significant damage to your smile over time.  It is best to avoid all soda to keep your smile in tip-top shape. However, if you do choose to treat yourself, follow these easy tips to lessen the negative effects of soda:  Finish It in One Sitting: If you want to indulge in a soft drink, drink the soda fast rather than sipping on it throughout the day to lessen your exposure to the acid and sugar in soda.  Use a Straw: using a straw helps deliver the soft drink to the back of your mouth, which lessens the direct exposure to acid and sugar.  Rinse Mouth Out After: When you finish your soda, wash your mouth out with mouthwash or water. This will rinse away the excess sugar and acid and minimize damage.  Brush Teeth a Half-Hour After You Finish: You may think that brushing your teeth automatically after indulging in a soft drink will prevent any damage to your teeth, but it actually can inflict further damage. Since your teeth are vulnerable after the acid attack from the sugar, the excess friction from brushing your teeth can further hurt the enamel. It is best to wait about 30 minutes to an hour before brushing your teeth. Don’t Consume Before Sleeping: Having a soda before bed will leave sugar on your teeth for hours, providing the perfect opportunity for it to eat away at your enamel. The sugar in the soda may also keep you awake for longer.  Drink With Food: When you eat, you produce more saliva, which will help break down the acid and wash away excess sugar. It is okay to partake in soda every once in a while, but try to avoid drinking soda regularly. Excellent oral hygiene can minimize the harm from soda. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and stay up on your dental cleanings and exams to maintain a healthy smile. Published by Dr. Namrata Shah Trending

Gum Disease: Causes, Signs & Risks Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. It is a chronic infection that damages gum tissue and can potentially destroy the jaw bone. However, since this condition is typically painless, many individuals go years without receiving a formal diagnosis. There is no cure for gum disease, but diligent oral hygiene can stop its progression.  Causes of Gum Disease  Gum disease commonly develops from poor oral hygiene habits that cause plaque and tartar to build up on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled film that forms when food interacts with the bacteria in your mouth. When plaque sits on the teeth for an extended period of time, it hardens and transforms into tartar.  Professional dental cleanings are the most effective method to remove tartar. Regular brushing and flossing have the power to keep your teeth relatively tartar-free in between cleanings. Although, if tartar stays on the teeth for too long, the bacteria will spread to the gum tissue.  Signs of Gum Disease Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing Swollen or red gums  Gums that are tender to the touch Receding gums  Bad breath  Loose teeth Pain when chewing Teeth fitting together differently than usual If you have symptoms of gum disease, schedule a dental exam. The sooner the condition is addressed, the better! Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is reversible with excellent oral care. However, failing to treat gingivitis can cause it to progress into periodontal disease. This late stage of gum disease can have serious consequences, such as bone and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is also linked to other health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, asthma, and kidney disease.  Factors that increase the risk of developing periodontal disease  Poor oral hygiene Tobacco use  Genetically predisposition  Misaligned teeth that are difficult to clean Pregnancy  Diabetes Certain medications  Forty-seven percent of adults over age 30 in the US have periodontal disease. The condition gets worse over time if it is not addressed. Although a periodontal disease diagnosis doesn’t mean you are doomed to lose any of your teeth. Countless people have stopped the progression of the disease by committing to diligent oral hygiene habits and staying up on recommended dental treatments.  It is crucial to keep up on your dental cleanings and exams. Dentists and hygienists can detect signs of gum disease that often go unnoticed by patients. When gum disease is detected early, we can create a treatment plan to restore your gum health and retain your natural teeth. Healthy gums start at home; dental treatments can only do so much! Commit to brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and floss daily to ensure your smile stays healthy. Published by Dr. Namrata Shah Trending