How to Avoid a Root Canal: 8 Prevention Tips

Dentists carry out root canal treatment to save teeth that have become severely infected or damaged. While a root canal procedure generally has above a 80-90% chance of success at removing the infected pulp, there is the risk of needing to have the tooth completely extracted if the damage is too extensive.

A root canal procedure is considered a last resort. Where possible, your dentist will try to treat the affected tooth using less invasive methods - but this requires patients to take an active role in caring for their teeth. 

From attending regular checkups to practising proper oral hygiene, there are many preventative measures you can take to avoid needing a root canal in future. 

8 Prevention Tips for Root Canal 

Before we get into the tips, it’s important to keep in mind that these are preventative measures, not alternative solutions for root canal treatment. If your dentist has already determined that you’ll need  root canal treatment, it’s important to follow their specific guidance. 

1. Practice good oral hygiene 

You have probably heard it all before, but having a consistent brushing and flossing schedule of at least twice a day is the foundation for good oral hygiene. It’s a small habit that can make a huge impact in lowering the risk of tooth cavities that open the door to severe infections within the tooth pulp. 

Regular brushing helps remove bacteria build up on the surface of your teeth. If this build up is not removed it can eventually decay the protective layer of enamel, exposing the sensitive inner part of the tooth. This inner tooth pulp is fleshy, with nerve endings that can become infected, which then can lead to the need for a root canal.  

2. Adjust your diet

Foods that are high in sugar or starch feed cavity-producing bacteria, and acidic drinks (such as carbonated sodas or citrus juices) wear tooth enamel down over time, making teeth much more susceptible to infection. 

This doesn’t mean that you have to completely cut these foods out of your diet. As long as it is only consumed in moderation, you can lower your chances of needing a root canal in future. 

Aside from consuming less sugar, drinking water frequently during the day and brushing your teeth after an hour of eating will also help to prevent sugars and acids from impacting the condition of teeth. 

3. Address tooth pain early 

Sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing, or spontaneous toothaches can all signal problems with your teeth - including an infection or deep cavity. The longer the treatment is delayed, the greater the chance that the tooth pulp becomes inflamed or infected, often making a root canal unavoidable.

If you experience tooth pain like a throbbing ache or a sharp stinging sensation, it’s important to visit your dentist to assess for any signs of tooth damage. Even periodic pain that comes and goes could be an early sign of a developing infection deep in your tooth, so it’s never a bad idea to get it professionally checked. 

4. Treat cavities as soon as possible

A small cavity filled today is far simpler and cheaper than a root canal down the line. If a cavity is caught and treated early, a straightforward filling can seal up the area to prevent infection from spreading deeper into the tooth's pulp, where it becomes a much larger problem.

Untreated cavities are by far the most common cause of tooth infection. Oral health and dental care statistics from the Australian Institute for Health and Wellness found that 32% of adults (aged 15 and over) have untreated dental decay. 

5. Stop teeth grinding (bruxism)

Many people grind their teeth at night without realising it. Grinding places significant additional wear and tear on teeth over time. 

A nightguard(splint) worn during sleep can protect against teeth grinding and reduce the risk of cracks or fractures that expose the pulp to bacteria. If you wake up with jaw soreness or headaches, it's worth raising this issue with your dentist to obtain a custom splint. 

6. Protect your teeth from physical trauma

Your teeth are durable, but not invulnerable to damage from knocks and exposure to hard foods. 

Hard foods like nuts, seeds, and hard candy can crack or chip teeth, and those who play contact sports are at a higher risk of trauma injuries that expose the inner pulp. A custom-fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest and most overlooked forms of root canal prevention.

7. Consider dental bonding

A chipped or cracked tooth might seem minor, but even a small fracture can create an entry point for bacteria to reach the pulp.

Dental bonding is a simple and minimally invasive procedure where a tooth coloured resin is used to 'seal' the affected area of a cracked or chipped tooth and prevent bacteria from infecting it. 

Dental bonding requires no anaesthetic (in most cases), can be completed in a single appointment, and is one of the more cost-effective ways to address minor damage early.

8. Visit your dentist every six months

Without regular checkups, dental issues will go unnoticed. A dental check up and clean every six months is an essential part of diagnosing early signs of decay to help prevent tooth related infections. 

Whilst brushing and flossing are good preventative measures, they will not help diagnose any pre-existing dental issues. 

Undergo Root Canal When Necessary 

A root canal procedure is never ideal, but it is necessary when your dentist recommends it. Our dentists at Bluff Point Dental focus on making root canal treatment as stress-free and comfortable as possible for our patients.