If you have recently had a root canal done, you might be worried about the area getting re-infected. If you chose the right dental professional -- such as a good endodontist like at Washington Township Dental Associates who specializes in root canals and similar procedures, rather than a regular dentist -- then this should be less of a concern. However, you have to take good care of your mouth as well. These are a few ways that you can help prevent infection.

1. Take Your Antibiotics as Prescribed

Your dental professional should have given you a prescription for an antibiotic after your treatment. Make sure that you get your prescription filled right away and that you take your medication as prescribed until it is all gone. Many people stop taking their antibiotics after they stop dealing with root canal pain, but this can put you at a greater risk of infection. If you find that you are having bad effects from your antibiotics -- such as if you feel sick from taking them -- talk to your dental professional about a potential switch in medication.

2. Be Careful When Eating

In the first few days after your root canal, you might experience some discomfort and pain, which can lead to you not eating as much as usual. Once you do resume eating, however, be careful about what and how you eat. Avoid sugary foods, and consider chewing with the other side of your mouth until your procedure site has healed. Also, consider rinsing your mouth out with water after you are finished eating; this will help remove any food debris from near the root canal treatment site and will help prevent the risk of infection.

3. Keep it Clean

Good dental hygiene is always important, but keeping the area around your treatment site clean is particularly important after a root canal. Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash, and always use floss on your surrounding teeth. It is also important to return for your regularly-scheduled checkups and to follow your dentist's advice for proper dental care.

If you have recently gone through a root canal procedure, you probably don't want to deal with any more oral problems any time soon. You could be worried about your treatment site becoming infected after your root canal, but if you follow these tips and all of your dentist's instructions, you should not have anything to worry about.