Bangalore-based Dr Suji Jacob, a pioneer in microscopic endodontics, said studies have proved how tooth decay is becoming more common at a comparatively younger age these days because of the intake of junk food.

Speaking on the sidelines, Dr Jacob said it was necessary to pay more attention to brushing teeth after meals and preventing tooth decay. “Children are quite prone to dental problems as they gorge on food rich in sugar. Today, more and more people require root canal treatment because, firstly, they are eating more junk food than their ancestors and secondly they do not bother to visit a dentist for regular check-ups.”

He added: “But thanks to technology, root canal treatment has become painless and more comfortable which is why it is being accepted on a much larger scale now. We conduct more root canal treatments than ever before because of the increased number of problems and an increased level of acceptability of the treatment. It can be completed in one or two sittings.”