As your child's baby teeth protrude through their gums, be sure to examine them every two weeks or so. Check for lines and discoloration, as this may be an early sign of decay caused by sugary foods and carbonated liquids. These foods and liquids can attack a new tooth and cause signs of decay within as little as a few days or as much as a few months. This is why brushing your child's teeth, and teaching them to brush their own teeth, is so important. We recommend brushing four times a day: once after breakfast, after lunch, dinner and at bedtime.

Brushing can be fun and easily turned into a game to capture your child's interest. Brushing should begin as soon as the first primary tooth emerges, using a soft-bristle brush and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. If your child is under the age of two, do not use toothpaste with fluoride unless your dentist or other healthcare professional advises you to.

Brushing isn't the only habit required to maintain good oral hygiene. Flossing is also an important part of this, and your children dentist will discuss with you the right time to begin flossing your child's teeth, as well as different ways to floss.

After the root canal has been cleaned, your dentist will fill and seal the canal, preventing further bacteria build-up. The final step to the procedure is sealing the opening in the tooth with either a temporary or a permanent filling.

After a root canal treatment is performed, your tooth must be restored to look, feel and work as it did before the procedure. If an endodontist performed your root canal treatment, they will fill the hole in the tooth with a temporary filling. They may also send you to a prosthodontist for a more thorough tooth restoration.