Yes, Oral pH Matters What Is a Root Canal Infection? BE AWARE OF CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS The second week of May is Root Canal Awareness Week. In our office, we see and diagnose root canal issues regularly and work with a specialist to help you get the best treatment, so we thought it would be helpful to share some information about root canals. WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL? A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy or treatment, is a procedure used to repair and save decaying or infected teeth when the infection has penetrated the root of the tooth. During this procedure, the nerve and pulp of your tooth are removed, and the inside is cleaned and sealed. The tooth needs to be cleaned out because if the tooth’s nerves or pulp is damaged, bacteria can begin to multiply in the pulp chamber. This bacteria can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An infection in the root of the tooth can also lead to other issues such as swelling in your face, neck, and head, plus bone loss at the root, and drainage problems. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A ROOT CANAL INFECTION? • Tooth Pain: If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks, or if there is sharp pain when biting or putting your teeth together, you should have it checked. • Gum Sensitivity and Swelling: Your tooth could be infected if your gums are swollen for an extended period of time. • Bad Breath: Infections can cause a foul order, and if there is an infection in your mouth, your breath may be bad. • Discoloration: Your teeth can turn gray, blue, or dark yellow if there is limited blood flow to your teeth. WHAT CAUSES ROOT INFECTIONS? Reasons for needing a root canal vary, but almost all start the same way — with an injured tooth. Whether it’s a cracked or chipped tooth, fractured tooth root, or damaged tooth pulp, it can lead to root canal failure if these injuries are not treated. However, the No. 1 cause of root canal infection is tooth decay. You can develop tooth decay by not brushing your teeth well, drinking sugary drinks, and frequent snacking. If tooth decay is not treated, it can lead to severe toothache, infections, and tooth loss. If you have or are feeling any of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have a root canal procedure. Instead, something else may be going on that needs to be examined. If you have any questions or concerns, allow us to help! We’ll be happy to examine your teeth any time you need it to diagnose the issue and best course of treatment. The worst thing you can do is nothing at all, so make an appointment if you experience any of these symptoms.
IT’S TIME TO READ OR REREAD THIS CLASSIC A TIMELESS AND INFLUENTIAL BOOK “How to Win Friends & Influence People” by Dale Carnegie has stood the test of time. Published in 1936, this book has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. Relating to the key relationships of humans, the book embodies self-improvement, communication, relationship building, and compassion. Every working professional or individual rubbing elbows in their social group needs it in their toolbox! If you haven’t already experienced the influential and game-changing words of Dale Carnegie, it’s time to pick up a copy. If you’ve already read it, it’s time to give it another read to review and remember because there is still much value to unfold. Embedded within each page of this easy-to-read book are recommendations for creating, building upon, and improving successful and positive relationships within your life, whether it be with friends, family members, coworkers, network professionals, or supervisors. Written and published more than 85 years ago, its life lessons and thought-provoking suggestions still apply today because, while technology, education, and infrastructure have all advanced, our basic human tendencies and the way we interact remain the same. “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you,” Dale Carnegie states. In “How to Win Friends & Influence People,” he explores the importance of putting the needs, interests, and values of others before your own and how to handle situations for the best possible outcome. It takes a deep dive into getting to know yourself before learning how to bond with others on a personal and/or professional level. This book, a brilliant study on human nature, will have you wondering why you didn’t read it sooner while reflecting on situations and interactions you could have handled differently. But most importantly, Carnegie’s pointers are sure to provide amazing insights while you learn to get along with just about anyone.
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