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What You Should Know Before You Get a Root Canal
Have you ever experienced tooth pain? Pain in your teeth may be caused by any number of things, including eating too much sugar, bacterial imbalance related to poor diet, eating hard foods, chewing too hard, gum issues (such as gingivitis), an abscess, or root pain. The latter may be the result of clenching or grinding your teeth as you sleep. Though there are various home remedies to treat tooth pain, if the pain becomes unbearable, your dentist might recommend a root canal. 6 Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals & Their Impacts on Health 1. What’s a root canal? According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), a “root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth. When one undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.” 2. Do I need a root canal? Root canals can be recommended for those with a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, or lingering problems from a filling that didn’t work well. Other reasons dentists may recommend a root canal include: Severe pain while chewing food Swollen or tender gums Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after exposure Pimples on the gums Deep gum decay, with or without darkened gums 3. Does a root canal hurt? A root canal procedure shouldn’t be any more painful than getting a filling or having a tooth removed, since local anesthesia is used. A patient may be sore or numb, or may experience other mild discomfort, for a few days after the procedure. 4. Can I go back to school or work after getting a root canal? Many patients can return to school or work right after getting a root canal. It’s recommended that patients not eat until the numbness is gone – most people are numb for 2 to 4 hours. 5. Are root canals expensive? The cost of getting a root canal depends on which tooth is affected. Work on molars is typically more expensive since they’re larger and can be harder to treat. Many dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of a root canal procedure. 6. Do root canals come with health risks? Any (oral) surgery involves a certain amount of risk. Though a patient doesn’t have to worry about the negative after-effects occasionally experienced with general anesthesia (such as memory problems or mental fog), there may be some lingering, potentially harmful, effects to getting a root canal. Necrosis At its most basic, a tooth that’s undergone a root canal procedure is a “dead tooth.” The good news is that with the nerve endings cut and root removed, you’ll no longer have sensation (pain) in that tooth. The bad news is that even if the area is thoroughly cleaned (which many times it isn’t), some bacteria may remain in and around this dead (“necrotic”) tooth, which can fester into an abscess with pus and often also a pool of inflammatory toxins. Toxins During a root canal procedure, the pulp of your tooth is cleaned out and some type of dental filling is put into that periodontal pocket. Unfortunately, in many instances, the cavity isn’t thoroughly cleaned (such as with ozone gas), which may lead to the pooling of harmful pathogens in the moist, hard to reach places of root canal teeth. These pathogens may include some of the most virulent strains known to human science. The waste material generated by these organisms can be toxic. Such toxins may be carried by the saliva when chewing food. Eventually, these harmful pathogens my find their way into the blood stream. The release of these toxins into your system can cause serious issues with any number or organs or bodily systems. These may include the cardiovascular, circulatory, and nervous systems. Among serious, ongoing effects are fatigue, body aches, or autoimmune issues. Fillings The type of filling used by an oral surgeon may include a toxic, amalgam substance. As the word implies, amalgams are a mixture of metals and may include harmful heavy metals like mercury. Exposure to certain elements in these fillings may cause allergic reactions or other serious physical and/or mental health issues. Sealing Using the proper amount of sealant is extremely important for the oral surgeon. Too much may cause gum swelling or bleeding. Too little may allow bacteria back into the site, which might cause another infection. Accidents On rare occasions, a dental instrument might break, and fragments might accidentally be left in the surgery site. This may cause lesions, swelling, or bacterial infections. As with any surgery, accidental incisions may cause extreme blood loss which could lead to an emergency trip to the hospital. Root Cause: Fact or Fiction? The Netflix documentary Root Cause (2018) created a shockwave in the dental field. The documentary features opinions from several dentists and doctors from around the world who claim root canal procedures are the “root cause” of many unexplained serious, and sometimes fatal, illnesses. Netflix pulled the film within a month of its release, ostensibly due to the lack of scientific evidence behind many of its claims. Of course, this decision was viewed as a knee-jerk reaction by some and an outright cover-up by others. In the age of truth suppression, the prudent course would’ve been for Netflix to place an advisory at the beginning of the film and allow people to make up their own minds about its content. Be that as it may, the documentary makes a compelling case for how root canals may be the cause of certain physical maladies. If any of its claims are accurate, Root Cause might be a harbinger of the many potential long-term health risks that can result from a root canal procedure. Unfortunately, the argument is far from being settled and very few medical or scientific studies about root canals have been published. Important Decision Despite how easy and painless the AAE makes it sound, getting a root canal is a major decision that may have a long-term impact on your health. Many “Western” dentists adhere to the “save the tooth at all costs” philosophy, but is it wise to save the tooth if it jeopardizes the health of the patient? It’s recommended to have a consult with your dentist and a root canal specialist before scheduling a root canal procedure. In fact, it’s always best to get a second opinion where a major surgery is concerned. If possible, try speaking to a holistic dentist and seek out any natural alternatives that can help mitigate the pain in your tooth. One of the keys to avoiding tooth death (and a root canal surgery) is to take care of your gums. Be sure to brush and floss daily to keep your teeth healthy, white, and bright! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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Here’s Why Flossing Is So Important For Your Health
How’s your gum health? Not much of a conversation starter, is it? It’s actually a very important question, though. When you think of your health, gums probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, the condition of your teeth and gums can have a huge impact on your long-term health and well-being. Gums 101 Gums are the soft tissue inside the human mouth that covers bone and secures the teeth in place. They create a seal around the teeth to prevent food particles from being lodged between the bone and gum. Though gum colors vary, typical gum color is described as “coral pink.” Unhealthy gums may appear in patriotic hues: red, white, and blue. A receding gum line may cause root sensitivity, loose teeth, and other gum issues. Warning Signs of Bad Gum Health When plaque builds up along and under the gum line, several issues may occur. The first indication of trouble might be tenderness in the gums or a change in the color of the gums, especially if they turn an angry red. Also, swelling of the gums and frequent bleeding may indicate the build-up of plaque or a gum infection. Another problem occurs when teeth pull away from the gums, which may allow food particles to pool in abscesses. Over time, these particles decay and create harmful bacteria that can enter your bloodstream through your saliva. To avoid serious periodontal issues, make a dental appointment right away if you experience any of these gum problems. Gums and Heart Health For decades, research has shown a strong correlation between poor oral health (gum or tooth problems) and cardiovascular issues. This could be due to any number of factors including infection caused by bacteria in the mouth. Of course, these issues may also be caused by other poor health choices, such as smoking. One study in the Journal of Immunology Research, found an association between dental plaque bacteria and coronary problems. The occurrence of heart issues in patients with gum problems was 25-50% higher than in healthy people. This compelling data should provide strong motivation for everyone to brush and floss daily and get regular dental cleanings. Gums and Memory A growing body of research, including a study in the Journal of Periodontology, has shown that periodontal (gum) problems are a risk factor for serious cognitive and memory issues. Gum challenges are associated with an unhealthy inflammatory balance, which has been linked to increased risk for long-term memory problems. The Research A study found that people who keep their teeth and gums healthy with regular dental health behaviors may have a lower risk of developing memory issues later in life. Researchers at the University of California followed nearly 5,500 elderly people over an 18-year-period, and found that those who reported brushing their teeth less than once a day were up to 65 percent more likely to develop serious memory problems than those who brushed daily. The Results The subjects answered questions about their dental health habits, the condition of their teeth, and if they wore dentures. When the researchers followed up 18 years later, they used interviews, medical records, and in some cases death certificates, to determine that 1,145 of the original group had been diagnosed with serious memory problems. Of 78 women who said they brushed their teeth less than once a day in 1992, 21 had serious memory problems by 2010, or about one case per 3.7 women. By comparison, among those who brushed at least once a day, one in every 4.5 women developed serious memory problems, which translates to a 65-percent greater memory loss risk among those who didn’t brush daily. Among the men, the effect was less pronounced with about one in six irregular brushers developing the issues, making them 22 percent more likely to have serious memory problems than those who brushed daily. Statistically, however, the effect was so small it could have been due to chance, the researchers said. Since good heart and circulatory function is fundamental to good brain function, it’s always a good idea to practice good dental hygiene for whole-body health. Benefits of Flossing Flossing is a cornerstone of dental hygiene. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), using dental floss can help remove plaque from areas a toothbrush can’t reach. Aside from making your gums look and feel healthy, flossing helps: remove plaque reduce bad breath (halitosis) protect against tooth decay lessen serious gum problems and eventual loss of teeth Types of Floss The two main types of dental floss are waxed and unwaxed. The ADA reports that both are effective at removing plaque and other debris, so choosing a type of floss is really a matter of personal preference. Waxed floss may be helpful for those with tight spaces between their teeth. Dental floss also comes in different flavors, such as mint or cinnamon. Those with bridges, braces, or gaps may try a super floss, interdental brushes, or electric flossers. People with braces, sensitive gums, or children under 5-7 years of age, may require specialized flossing options. Consult with a dentist for the best flossing practice for you or a family member. Brushing Tips The ADA recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day. Best practices for brushing include: using a soft toothbrush brushing with a gentle circular motion remembering to brush your tongue reducing germs by using a natural mouthwash replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months visiting your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings Become Chums with Your Gums Oral health is extremely important to your overall health. You can’t have a healthy mouth without healthy gums. The best way to ensure healthy gums is to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once daily. Some prefer to floss first thing in the morning; others like a thorough cleaning before they go to bed. Either way is fine, but doing both is recommended for even greater benefit. It’s recommended that you floss before you brush your teeth. Flossing helps loosen food particles and plaque, and brushing removes that debris from your teeth and gums. Some may consider flossing as optional, but it’s absolutely vital to tooth/gum health and overall wellness. Since it may help lessen the risk of memory problems, flossing is also a brain-healthy exercise. Remember, a brilliant smile begins with clean teeth and healthy gums! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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