Having a root canal done is never a fun way to spend the afternoon, so why not take a few steps that will help minimize the chance of tooth infections and the need for root canals as time goes on? Here are three effective methods to consider:

Focus on Essential Oils

Rinsing with diluted essential oils or adding the oils to your mouthwash or toothpaste is an excellent way to maintain a healthy mouth and minimize tooth infections as time goes on. There are a variety of effective options to choose from, which makes it easy to customize the flavor that you experience every time you use an essential oil for dental care.

For instance, cinnamon essential oil has antimicrobial properties that help kill bacteria, and spearmint oil works to eliminate germs throughout the mouth. Experiment with different essential oils by combining them to create custom flavors and effects. Use each variation for about a week before trying a new one until you determine which combinations seem to work the best for your specific needs.

Practice Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is another effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy so you're less likely to need root canals in the future. By putting a teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swishing it around for a few minutes before spitting it out and rinsing with water, you can combat bacteria buildup that is responsible for tooth and gum disease that leads to the need for treatments such as root canals.

Coconut oil pulling also fights off yeast buildup when used on a regular basis. It may be tough to swish coconut oil around in your mouth for more than a few seconds at a time when you first start because the oil gets thick when it starts mixing with your saliva and can fill your mouth up quickly. Use just a quarter teaspoon of the oil to begin with and add a little more oil each week until you can easily swish with a full teaspoon of it without feeling like you must spit it out too quickly.  

Brush with Activated Charcoal

Brushing your teeth with some activated charcoal a couple of times a week is another excellent way to keep your teeth healthy and bright as you age. Activated charcoal helps maintain a healthy PH balance within the mouth, which in turn minimizes the chance of developing gum disease and cavities.

To make the charcoal palatable while brushing, combine it with a little berry juice, peppermint extract, or even your commercial toothpaste before using it. Mix 2 tablespoons of the charcoal with 2 tablespoons of your preferred flavor additive to make a batch for the whole household to utilize. You can keep the mixture in your fridge for about a week between uses.

These options should all be easy to implement into your regimen and are sure to make a positive impact on your dental care efforts as time goes on. For more tips and advice, talk to a dentist at a dental office such as Staller & Gandel D.D.S.