Never Take Your Healthy Teeth for Granted

If a dentist suggests that you undergo root canal treatment, but you refuse the procedure out of fear, you may want to change your mind. Although root canal treatment might seem scary or painful, it may actually be the best thing for you. The treatment can help prevent secondary health problems that could possibly develop from an infected tooth. Here's one dangerous problem you might be at risk for if you don't treat your infected tooth.

How Can Your Infected Tooth Harm You?

A decayed tooth that contains an abscess can cause problems you might not expect, including jaw and sinus infection. If the abscess opens up, it can spread bacteria to your jawbone and other facial structures over time. Because of the infection in your tooth, you might not even know that you have secondary infections to treat.

Some people may be at risk for heart, brain, and organ problems when they have severe mouth infections. These types of diseases often go undetected until a doctor diagnoses them, or until the conditions cause significant problems in your health.

A bad tooth can also interfere with your appetite if it leaks pus into your mouth. Pus contains bacteria, white blood cells, and other substances. The substances disrupt your ability to taste and smell food. If you don't drink and eat properly, you may experience dehydration and poor nutrition.

It's a good idea that you take a dentist's advice and treat your tooth.

What Can You Do About Your Tooth?

Before you see a dentist about your tooth, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to ease your pain. The home care treatment may also remove some of the bacteria in your mouth. If you can't tolerate salt, simply use warm water.

Drink as many fluids as you can during the day. You want to keep your body hydrated enough to fight the infection in your mouth. You can substitute water with sugar-free tea and juice if you can't tolerate just water.

When you visit a dentist, they may tell you to take antibiotics before they do the root canal treatment. Although root canal treatment removes infected tissues, a dentist may not want to risk opening up the abscess during the procedure. But not all dentists follow this precaution, so be sure to discuss your treatment plan with your dentist immediately. After the root canal is finished, you should ask about dental crowns to cover the tooth.

For more information about your tooth and why you need a root canal, contact a dental provider today.