Top 10 Dental Tips

1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly. This is very important to not only keep your teeth clean but keep your mouth free of periodontal disease. Regular dental examinations along with professional cleanings can help you keep your teeth clean, white, and healthy for a lifetime. 

2. Beware of stains. Drinking red wine, black tea, or even indulging in an occasional cigar will give your teeth a darker, duller appearance. Brushing and flossing alone will not be able to remove these stains that work their way deep into your teeth. A good tip for when you do indulge is to brush and floss immediately after eating and drinking any items you think might stain your teeth. There are also natural tooth whiteners that you can use like crunchy vegetables and fresh apples. Their crunchiness helps give a cleaning action to your teeth to remove some of the lighter staining. There are also whitening toothpastes, such as colgate optic white, which are very effective at removing surface staining when used regularly.

3. Don’t Forget Your Tongue. Studies have shown that bad breath can emanate from the tongue. Dead cells and bacteria can harbor in the folds of our tongue contributing to bad breath. Tongue scraping alone will not rid you of bad breath but it can help. You can use a toothbrush for this or most stores carry tongue scrapers specifically designed for the task at hand.
4. Gargle With Apple Cider Vinegar. This has become a popular remedy for whiter teeth. However, the vinegar can promote an acidic environment in the mouth causing tooth enamel erosion. Rinse with this at your own risk. The benefits may not be worth the risk of enamel erosion and tooth decay.


5. Use An Antibacterial/ Anti-Tartar/ Fluoride Mouthrinse. Oral rinses can get to places we sometimes miss from brushing and flossing. They also have the ability to lower the bacteria count in the mouth to help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. A good tip is to choose a mouthwash that  specifically targets your needs. There are whitening rinses, anti-plaque rinses to reduce periodontal bacteria such as listerine, anti-tartar rinses such as Periogen, Fluoride rinses such as ACT.
6. Chew Sugarless Gum (with Xylitol). Xylitol has been shown to decrease the incidence in tooth decay when chewed regularly. Xylitol enhances the remineralization of teeth, particularly in small decay spots just developing in the tooth enamel. Also, bacteria are unable to produce acid when xyltiol is present. This inhibition of acid production will help the teeth to stay safe from tooth decay.
7. Brush With A Teeth Whitening Toothpaste. While the effectiveness of these toothpastes comes into question for many they do help remove light staining. Brushing with a toothpaste like Colgate’s optic white can keep your teeth as white as possible in between dental visits.
8. Choose The Right Lipstick. This tip is for the ladies, choose a medium coral or light red lipstick. These colors can make your teeth appear to look whiter, whereas lighter-colored lipsticks tend to bring out the yellow and darker areas in teeth.
9. Floss Regularly. Many do not realize the staining that can occur in between teeth from plaque buildup. Flossing will help keep tooth decay and periodontal disease in check but it can also make your teeth whiter and brighter.
10. Strawberries. There has been some evidence showing that strawberries have some teeth whitening properties. So next time you grab for a snack think about your teeth and grab some strawberries.

 Whiter Smile Conclusion

Having a healthy, white smile can be a reality with routine dental care coupled with good dental hygiene at home. For those, who need have dental issues already and need a little boost, there are many treatments that your dentist can advise you of  that can be personalized for your individual needs. It is never too late to have a healthier looking smile!

What Causes Yellowing of Teeth?

Why do teeth change color? Our teeth can stain and darken over time for many reasons. In many instances, yellowing of the teeth comes with age,  staining of the enamel,  and the accumulation of plaque on the teeth due to poor dental hygiene. Whatever the cause, most people prefer whiter teeth as they as a sign of health and youth.

What Causes Yellowing Of Teeth?

Yellowing of teeth is due to many factors. It is different for each individual. For some, it might start with one or two teeth while, for others, it might be more pronounced. The entire tooth may not discolor in the traditional sense, either. Some teeth may exhibit spotting, pitting, or streaks of white or yellow.
Luckily, the initial yellowing of teeth does not generally cause pain or discomfort. What it can cause is a person being self conscious and trying to hide their smile. There are certain factors involved with the changes in tooth color.
-Staining. Also referred to as yellowing. The enamel of the teeth yellow or darken due to staining from coffee, red wine, soda, tobacco, and other foods and drink.
- Thin and discolored enamel.  Sometimes, thin enamel is genetic, or discolored because of issues during tooth development. Over exposure to high amounts of minerals in water or tetracycline use during tooth development as a child can cause gray or mottled looking teeth. Fevers during tooth development can also cause malformed enamel. For others with stronger enamel, wear can happen over time,  from trauma and use. This wear can be caused by aggressive brushing, physical trauma such as grinding and clenching, high exposure to acids from foods or health issues. As the enamel thins out over time, the dentin on the inside of the tooth will begin to show through. This thinner enamel will also allow more uptake of stain deeper into the teeth. The yellow color will be more prominent due to the thin enamel layer on the outside.
-Age. As we get older yellowing of teeth is quite normal. From wear and use our enamel layer will become thinner thus allowing more of the underlying tooth structure to show thru.

How To Treat Yellowing Teeth?

-Teeth Whitening. Teeth whitening products and treatments are able to whiten our teeth by removing stains and discolorations. Across the globe, teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. It works best when teeth are stained from foods, beverages, and smoking. The results for malformed enamel can vary in effectiveness, and sometimes look worse.
There are two main types of teeth whitening: in office treatment and at home treatment. In office whitening involves application of whitening products to the teeth while in the dental office. Results up to several shades lighter are achieved the same day. The process is fast, and easy. At home procedures involve application of whitening products to the teeth by the patient daily, for approximately 1 week to 1 month. The at home process is slower to achieve results, generally less expensive, and usually easy. Both cosmetic dentistry whitening procedures are very effective, and can help you to achieve the whiter smile you have been dreaming of. Any type of whitening can cause sensitivity, which is usually short term.
-Porcelain Veneers. Porcelain veneers are a great option for teeth that will not whiten the way you would like.  Mottled enamel, and tetracycline stained teeth do not evenly whiten, some of us have see through or translucent which do not whiten well either. Porcelain veneers give the cosmetic dentist the ability to change the color of teeth, keeping them natural looking and have low incidence of staining when taken care of properly.  Porcelain veneers are custom made ultra thin porcelain restorations that are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth. Modern porcelain veneers offer a natural looking, beautiful smile. Porcelain veneers generally last between 8 to 12 years, but if cared for properly can last for much longer . The lifespan of porcelain veneers (and any dental restoration) depends upon your oral hygiene maintenance, the forces on the teeth(hard use, grinding), tooth decay, and maintaining regular dental visits.
-Porcelain Crowns. Porcelain crowns give the cosmetic dentist the ability to restore a tooth to its natural look without the use of metal. This allows the dental laboratory to fabricate a tooth that reflects light just like our own natural teeth.  Porcelain crowns can be used on teeth that either already have crowns or need more extensive work. Teeth with large, deep, silver fillings, root canals, or extensive tooth decay generally have deep staining which needs to be covered with a crown to restore strength and beauty.
-Dental Bonding. Dental bonding is the process in which tooth colored dental materials are bonded to a tooth. This might be one of the easiest cosmetic dentistry procedures to change our look. Using dental bonding we can change color, shape, size, and close any spaces that might be present. Dental bonding is generally completed in the dentist office in as little as an hour. This is especially useful when treating damaged, thin, or malformed enamel.

Conclusion

Yellowing teeth does not have to be an issue. Protect your smile by limiting acidic and highly staining foods. See your dentist to help you stop grinding and clenching habits. See your hygienist to have your cleaned teeth regularly. Maintain good oral hygiene, without being overly aggressive. If you already have deep staining or damaged enamel, see your dentist to see which options will work best for you.You can achieve the bright white smile you desire with a little help from your dentist!

Cosmetic Dentist Marielaina Perrone DDS

© 2013, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist
Article via http://drperrone.com/blog/why-are-my-teeth-yellow/

Alzheimer's disease linked to poor dental health

A study has found that people with poor oral hygiene or gum disease could be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's compared with those who have healthy teeth.
Researchers from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in the UK, discovered the presence of a bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis in the brains of patients who had dementia when they were alive. The bug is usually associated with chronic periodontal (gum) disease.
For the study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 10 brain samples from patients with dementia were donated for analysis by a scheme called Brains for Dementia Research, alongside 10 brain samples from people who had not had the disease.
Examination of the samples revealed the presence of the Porphyromonas gingivalis in the samples of the brains affected by Alzheimer's.

Need for invasive dental treatment 'increases the bacterial risk'

This bacteria is usually found in oral cavities, and enters the blood stream through a variety of daily activities, such as chewing, eating and brushing teeth. However, it is more likely to enter the blood stream after invasive dental treatment, where it is possible that the bacteria can enter the brain regularly, the researchers say.
Each time the bacteria enter the brain, the researchers note, this could potentially trigger immune system responses, causing the release of excess chemicals that can kill neurons.
The researchers say that this activity could lead to symptoms such as confusion and deteriorating memory - typical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Study adds to previous findings

The study adds to previous findings that Alzheimer's is linked to poor oral health. Research from New York University in 2010 revealed long-term evidence that linked gum inflammation and Alzheimer's disease, finding that gum disease could increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction.
Another study has suggested that other bacteria and viruses are linked to the disease. Research from the University of New Mexico suggested that Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was linked to Alzheimer's. See "Cold sores" connected to cognitive decline.
Professor St John Crean, from the School of Medical Dentistry at UCLAN, says of this most recent research:

"Whereas previous studies have indicated a link between dementia and other bacteria and viruses such as the Herpes simplex virus type 1, this new research indicates a possible association between gum disease and individuals who may be susceptible to developing Alzheimer's disease, if exposed to the appropriate trigger."

"Research currently under way at UCLan is playing an active role in exploring this link," Prof. St John Crean continues, "but it remains to be proven whether poor dental hygiene can lead to dementia in healthy people, which obviously could have significant implications for the population as a whole. It is also likely that these bacteria could make the existing disease condition worse."
The researchers hope that continued donation of brain tissue will enable examination of more samples from people with and without Alzheimer's disease who have relevant dental records.
They add that future research will involve determining whether the Porphyromonas gingivalis could be used as a marker for a blood test that predicts the development of Alzheimer's disease in patients who are at higher risk.
Written by Honor Whiteman


 Whiteman, Honor. "Alzheimer's disease linked to poor dental health." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 31 Jul. 2013. Web.
8 Aug. 2013. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264164.php>

TOOTH EXTRACTION DURING PREGNANCY

Hormonal changes occur during pregnancy due to which the gums become sensitive in case of pregnant females. Gums swell up and will become inflamed in case of pregnancy and will bleed. Periodontal problems occur in this period due to plaque which is present around the teeth. Gum problems very often occur around the wisdom tooth and gums become more aggravated in case of pregnant females. Neglecting ordinary oral care because of press of other duties may increase the incidence of dental caries in pregnant females.

Pregnancy is not a disease but special considerations should be made when tooth extraction is required during pregnancy. The most important thing is to avoid any damage to the baby. Elective procedures should be deferred in the first and the third trimester. If the tooth is infected and is non-restorable, then it should be removed. Infection may cause harm to the baby. Baby should not be exposed to any harmful factors. 

Dentists or oral surgeons usually avoid tooth extraction during pregnancy. If a mother is in constant pain during pregnancy, then she would be stressing her body which would be not good for the child. So tooth extraction should be done in case of pregnancy.

Tooth extraction is no longer painful these days. The procedure is done under anesthesia. Lesser amount of anesthesia should be given to the patient.  Obstetricians and gynecologists also allow tooth extraction during pregnancy if the patient has pain.

If tooth extraction has to be done in pregnancy, then it has to be done in the middle trimester period. Patients in first or the last trimester should have their tooth extraction postponed if possible. Tooth extraction can also be done in latter part of first trimester and first month of last trimester. Extensive surgical procedures should be avoided in the first and the last trimester. They should be deferred until after the child has been delivered.

Trimesters of pregnancy

There are 3 trimesters of pregnancy- first trimester, second trimester and third trimester.

    In the first trimester, organogenesis of foetus takes place that is the formation of organs of the baby takes place. Liver, kidneys, heart etc. are formed in first trimester of pregnancy. Foetus is highly susceptible to developmental malformations if the mother passes through stress and strain in first trimester. If tooth extraction has to be done in the first trimester, then it should be done in the latter part of first trimester.
    During the second trimester of pregnancy, the baby is just growing. It is considered as safe period in pregnancy and all the dental procedures can be performed in second trimester. Second trimester is the best time of tooth extraction in pregnancy. While doing the tooth extraction, if the patient falls into syncope, then patient is turned on to the left side to relieve the pressure. Patient should not be kept in supine or reclined position. This is to avoid pressure on inferior vena cava by the foetus which can even lead to hypotension (Decrease in blood pressure).
    In the third trimester, it is problem for the lady to sit in the dental chair in the same position for hours. Large quantities of steroids are released into the blood. Uterine contraction is stimulated by oxytocin hormone which causes change of premature labour. Blood volume increases and patient can’t be comfortable on the chair. If patient is in severe pain and tooth extraction has to be done in third trimester, then it should be done in the first month of last trimester.

Obstetricians and gynecologists allow for full dental care during the last trimester of pregnancy and the most elective dental care during the second trimester.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction during pregnancy
Wisdom teeth might need extraction when the lady is pregnant. Most of the obstetricians and gynecologists believe that wisdom tooth extraction can be done during pregnancy. Wisdom tooth should be removed with minimum of trauma during pregnancy. Antibiotics and pain pills may be prescribed by the dentist to reduce the infection and pain which can further stress both mother and baby. Wisdom tooth Extraction should be done in the second trimester which is the safe period of pregnancy.

Medications during pregnancy

Pain killers used during pregnancy

    Acetaminophen can be prescribed to the patient for pain relief. It is considered safe throughout pregnancy.
    Ibuprofen is considered safe till 32 weeks of pregnancy. If pain is very severe, then narcotics can be given like codeine for short duration of time after consulting patient’s obstetrician.

Antibiotics are required to treat or prevent infection. Antibiotics used during pregnancy

    Penicillin (Category B for safety in pregnancy) and cephalosporin’s can be given to the patient unless the patient is allergic to it.
    Erythromycin is also safe during pregnancy provided patient’s stomach can tolerate it.
    Tetracycline should not be given to the patient. Tetracycline given during pregnancy in second or third trimester or in neonates may lead to tetracycline pigmentation in teeth of baby.

Time of tetracycline treatment                                                                                                          
 Teeth affected

4 months intrauterine life (foetus) to 3 months post-partum (period after the birth of baby)    
Deciduous incisors
5 months intrauterine life to 9 months post-partum                                                                      
Deciduous canines

Tetracycline causes internal pigmentation due to chelate formation of tetracycline with calcium.
Use of anesthesia during pregnancy
Lidocaine is commonly used local anesthetic agent used during tooth extraction. (Category B for safety in pregnancy). It does cross placenta after it is given. Anesthesia which is administered should be as less in amount as possible but it should be enough to make patient comfortable. If pain is experienced by the patient, then she will be administered more local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is usually used without epinephrine. Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor and it increases the duration of anesthesia. If the dentist feels that the patient requires anesthesia with epinephrine, then patient’s obstetrician can be consulted. If a patient is comfortable, then the stress on the patient and baby is also reduced. Anesthesia will also be more effective if the patient is more comfortable. 

Inhalation or intravenous anesthesia is avoided during pregnancy as it increases the risk of miscarriage in the first trimester. 
X-rays during pregnancy
During tooth extraction procedure, it may be necessary to take a radiograph. While taking x-ray in pregnant woman, to cover the upper part of body, lead apron shield can be used. Diagnostic x-rays don’t have radiation dose too much which can cause any side effect to the developing foetus or embryo.

Pregnant women should-

    Tell the dentist that she is pregnant. The treatment plan and the medications which are to be given to the patient may be altered in case of pregnancy.
    To avoid dental problems, she should maintain a good oral hygiene and should get dental cleaning done during the course of pregnancy to avoid deposits in the teeth.
    She should not miss her dental appointments. Pregnant woman needs to get dental cleaning done regularly because of sensitivity and bleeding of gums.

It is always better to visit the dentist or the oral surgeon to know whether tooth extraction should be performed or not. Dentist can take care of pregnant woman and the baby.

article via SHEERR SAI DENTAL CLINIC

Do teeth-bleaching products really weaken your teeth?

It's no myth that dental work can be a little scary sometimes. In fact, according to Discovery Fit and Health 12% of American adults admit to feeling nervous when visiting the dentist. This fear has created a number of myths surrounding oral care that are meant to explain or alleviate dental issues that people choose to follow rather than going to the dentist. Here are some popular dental myths and the truth behind them.
• Bleaching weakens teeth - Bleaching products are harmless so long as they are used according to the directions. This is because bleaching affects the color of the teeth, not their health or strength. If you bleach too much you can run the risk of having teeth that appear translucent, but this is not due to a lack of enamel, merely a lack of color.
• The More Sugar you Eat, the Worse for your Teeth – “If you eat that, your teeth will fall out!” If you heard that phrase often, you probably had a penchant for sweet treats as a kid. But did you know that the amount of sugar in foods does not affect the rate of tooth decay? Instead, it is the amount of time that sugary food is actually in your mouth that matters. The more time you give the bacteria in your mouth to feed on the sugar, the more damage is done to your teeth. This means that you can enjoy all the sugar you want, just make sure to brush your teeth immediately after to get rid of that bacteria.
• Brushing's Bad for Bleeding Gums – If your gums remind you of something out of a horror movie when you brush your teeth, that is no excuse to stop brushing. When your gums bleed, it's a sign that plaque and food particles are accumulating along your gum line and the gums have become irritated and inflamed. You need to brush to remove the gunk if you want the bleeding to stop. So while it seems abusive, keep brushing along those gums, it will keep them clean and healthy!
Did you fall for one of these dental legends or do you know of another popular myth? Share it with us online or come visit your local Castle Dental dentist!

article via http://www.castledental.com/our-blog/dental-myths-using-straw-brushing-finger-cavity-hereditary-0

What is a root canal?

Root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected.
Root canal procedures are performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. Actually, most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to a seeking of dental care is truly the painful period of time, not the root canal procedure itself.

What Is Dental Pulp?

 The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the center of the tooth. The tooth's nerve lies within root canals, which lie within the roots or "legs" of the tooth. The root canals travel from the tip of the tooth's root into the pulp chamber, which also contains blood vessels and connective tissue that nourish the tooth.
A tooth's nerve is not vitally important to a tooth's health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory -- to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.

Why Does the Pulp Need to Be Removed?

When nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

1. Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
2. Bone loss around the tip of the root
3. Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.

What Damages a Tooth's Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?

A tooth's nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth and/or large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.

What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed?

Signs you may need a root canal include:

1. Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
2. Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
3. Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
4. Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
5. A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
6. Sometimes no symptoms are present

The root canal procedure requires one or more office visits and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the human dental pulp or the nerve of the tooth. The choice of which type of dentist to use depends to some degree on the difficulty of the root canal procedure needed in your particular tooth and the general dentist's comfort level in working on your tooth. Your dentist will discuss who might be best suited to perform the work in your particular case.
The first step in the procedure is to take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Your dentist or endodontist will then use local anesthesia to numb the area near the tooth. Actually, anesthesia may not be necessary, since the nerve is dead, but most dentists still anesthetize the area to make the patient more relaxed and at ease.
Next, to keep the area dry and free of saliva during treatment, your dentist will place a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) around the tooth.
An access hole will then be drilled into the tooth. The pulp along with bacteria, the decayed nerve tissue and related debris is removed from the tooth. The cleaning out process is accomplished using root canal files. A series of these files of increasing diameter are each subsequently placed into the access hole and worked down the full length of the tooth to scrape and scrub the sides of the root canals. Water or sodium hypochlorite is used periodically to flush away the debris.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it needs to be sealed. Some dentists like to wait a week before sealing the tooth. For instance, if there is an infection, your dentist may put a medication inside the tooth to clear it up. Others may choose to seal the tooth the same day it is cleaned out. If the root canal is not completed on the same day, a temporary filling is placed in the exterior hole in the tooth to keep contaminants out between appointments.
At the next appointment, to fill the interior of the tooth, a sealer paste and a rubber compound called gutta percha is placed into the tooth's root canal. To fill the exterior access hole created at the beginning of treatment, a filling is placed.
The final step may involve further restoration of the tooth. Because a tooth that needs a root canal often is one that has a large filling or extensive decay or other weakness, a crown, crown and post, or other restoration often needs to be placed on the tooth to protect it, prevent it from breaking and restore it to full function. Your dentist will discuss the need for any additional dental work with you.

What Should One Expect After the Root Canal?

The root canal procedure should relieve the pain you feel. Until your root canal procedure is completely finished -- that is to say, the permanent filling is in place and/or the crown is place, it's wise to minimize chewing on the tooth under repair. This step will help avoid recontamination of the interior of the tooth and also may prevent a fragile tooth from breaking before the tooth can be fully restored. For the first few days following the completion of treatment, the tooth may feel sensitive due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This sensitivity or discomfort usually can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Most patients can return to their normal activities the next day.
As far as oral health care is concerned, brush and floss as you regularly would and see your dentist at normally scheduled intervals. Because the final step of the root canal procedure is application of a restoration such as a crown or a filling, it will not be obvious to onlookers that a root canal was performed.
Root canal treatment is highly successful; the procedure has more than a 95% success rate. Many teeth fixed with a root canal can last a lifetime.

Complications of a Root Canal

Despite your dentist's best efforts to clean and seal a tooth, new infections might emerge. Among the likely reasons for this include:

1. More than the normally anticipated number of root canals in a tooth (leaving one of them uncleaned)
2. An undetected crack in the root of a tooth
3. A defective or inadequate dental restoration that has allowed bacteria to get past the restoration into the inner aspects of the tooth and recontaminate the area
4. A breakdown of the inner sealing material over time, allowing bacteria to recontaminate the inner aspects of the tooth

Sometimes retreatment can be successful, other times endodontic surgery must be tried in order to save the tooth. The most common endodontic surgical procedure is an apicoectomy or root-end resection. This procedure relieves the inflammation or infection in the bony area around the end of your tooth that continues after endodontic treatment. In this procedure, the gum tissue is opened, the infected tissue is removed, and sometimes the very end of the root is removed. A small filling may be placed to seal the root canal.

Alternatives to a Root Canal

Saving your natural teeth is the very best option, if possible. Your natural teeth allow you to eat a wide variety of foods necessary to maintain proper nutrition. The root canal procedure is the treatment of choice.
The only alternative to a root canal procedure is having the tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge, implant, or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These alternatives not only are more expensive than a root canal procedure but require more treatment time and additional procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.
Since some of the reasons why the nerve of a tooth and its pulp become inflamed and infected are due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth and/or large fillings, following good oral hygiene practices (brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and scheduling regular dental visits) may reduce the need for a root canal procedure. Trauma resulting from a sports-related injury can be reduced by wearing a mouth guard.

Article via http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/root-canals?page=4 

What is a Mouth Guard and Why Do I need one?

Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth, and often used to protect teeth from injury from teeth grinding   and during sports. There are three types of mouth guards:

1.      Stock mouth protectors are preformed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting good stores and department stores. However, little can be done to adjust their fit, they are bulky, make breathing and talking difficult, and they provide little or no protection. Dentists do not recommend their use.

2.      Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. The "boil and bite" mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.

3.      Custom-fitted mouth protectors are individually designed and made in a dental office or a professional laboratory based on your dentist's instructions. First, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types, but it provides the most comfort and protection.

Generally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances (such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw), your dentist will make a mouth guard for the lower teeth as well. Your dentist can suggest the best mouth guard for you. An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech.
If you grind your teeth at night, a special mouth guard-type of dental appliance -- called a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint -- may be created to prevent tooth damage.

Who Needs a Mouth Guard?

Mouth guards should be used by anyone -- both children and adults -- who play contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. However, even those participating in non-contact sports (for example, gymnastics) and any recreational activity (for example, skateboarding, mountain biking) that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.
Adults and children who grind their teeth at night should have a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint made to prevent tooth damage.

Why Use a Mouth Guard When Playing Sports?

Because accidents can happen during any physical activity, the advantage of using a mouth guard during sports is that it can help limit the risk of mouth-related injuries to your lips, tongue, and soft tissues of your mouth. Mouth guards also help you avoid chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth, or even tooth loss.

Can I Wear a Mouth Guard if I Wear Braces?

Yes. Since an injury to the face could damage braces or other fixed appliances, a properly fitted mouth guard may be particularly important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. Your dentist or orthodontist can determine the mouth guard that will provide the best protection for your unique mouth work. An important reminder: do not wear any orthodontic retainers or other removable appliance during any contact sports or during any recreational activities that put your mouth at risk for injury.

How Do I Care for My Mouth Guard?

• Rinse your mouth guard with cold water or with a mouth rinse before and after each use and/or clean it with toothpaste and a toothbrush.
• Occasionally clean the mouth guard in cool, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly.
• Place the mouth guard in a firm, perforated container to store or transport it. This permits air circulation and helps to prevent damage.
• Protect the mouth guard from high temperatures -- such as hot water, hot surfaces, or direct sunlight -to minimize distorting its shape.
• Occasionally check the mouth guard for general wear. If you find holes or tears in it or if it becomes loose or causes discomfort, replace it.
• Bring the mouth guard to each regularly scheduled dental visit to have your dentist exam it.