Contrary to what you may have heard, there are alternatives to a root canal. Brian S. Kubo, DDS, in Kamuela, Hawaii, is dedicated to providing his patients with all the facts they need to make informed decisions about their oral health. A root canal aims to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth by removing the bad part, cleaning and disinfecting the tooth, and then sealing it. However, in some cases, it may be possible to avoid this procedure.

Here are three dentist-approved tips on how to avoid root canals:

• Determine If An Infection Is Present: A dentist will usually diagnose an infection in the tooth’s root using a combination of X-ray images and the patient’s symptoms. If your tooth does not hurt, then it’s probably not infected. Other signs of infection include increased sensitivity to things that are hot or cold, inflammation, a bad taste in your mouth, and pockets of pus along the gum line. If there isn’t an infection, then you don’t need treatment. If you have an infection, you need to see your dentist right away.
• Watch What You Eat: If your tooth is not infected, then you want to make sure it stays that way! Take special dietary measures to maintain an infection-free mouth. Avoid processed sugar and flour and eat plenty of foods that are rich in fat-soluble vitamins, like raw, grass-fed milk, shellfish, bone broths, and seaweed.
• Take Herbal Remedies: In addition to the foods listed above, certain herbs can stave off infections and help you avoid a root canal. A plantain poultice, for instance, serves as an astringent and anti-inflammatory as it pulls toxins from the body. Make the poultice by grinding or mincing the fresh plant and placing the resulting paste on affected areas. An alternative is goldenseal powder, which can be applied directly to the tooth and gums. Echinacea is another option and can likewise be applied directly to the tooth and gums or ingested as a tea.

The first step to avoid a root canal is to determine what the problem is—if any exist. A visit to your dentist will clarify matters. If you’re in the Kamuela area, trust Brian S. Kubo, DDS, to take care of you and your teeth. This dentist is dedicated to educating patients about all their options when it comes to oral health, whether they’re considering a root canal or cosmetic dentistry. Visit the website for more information about the dentist office, or call (808) 885-8465 to schedule an appointment in Kamuela.