Maintaining healthy teeth and gums relies heavily on preventive dentistry. Even though many treatments exist that can remove diseased tissue and repair damage, prioritizing good oral health can eliminate the need for many types of invasive dental work. Seeing a dentist at least once every six months is essential, but practicing good oral hygiene on a regular basis is just as important. By creating a healthy daily care routine, patients can prevent numerous unnecessary dental issues while strengthening their smiles.
Perhaps the most significant reason oral hygiene is important is that it can be very effective in preventing tooth decay. This is the most common type of dental problem, but it can be avoided or minimized with the right practices. Understanding the causes of tooth decay can help patients update their preventive dentistry routine accordingly.
The first step of tooth decay occurs when substances break down tooth enamel, the hard coating on teeth that encapsulates them while protecting the nerves and more delicate tissues. Injury or trauma can break this surface, but everyday substances can also wear it down over time. Acids and sugars are especially effective at deteriorating tooth enamel, eventually leading to cavities. These are present in almost all foods, including nutritious fruits and vegetables, although they are much more prevalent in:
Failing to brush and floss on a daily basis allows harmful sugars and acids to stick on and between teeth, eventually resulting in enamel erosion. Eating or drinking too many sugary or acidic foods can expedite the process.
Once a breach in tooth enamel occurs, bacteria can now penetrate the interior tissues, destroying them and leading to cavities or holes in the teeth. While everyone has beneficial bacteria in their mouths, certain habits can create an imbalance, leading to more harmful bacteria and increased dental problems. Brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash can help remove these microscopic troublemakers. Keeping hands and other foreign objects out of the mouth can also prevent excess bacteria from entering.
Cavities are very common. According to the American Dental Association, more than 80% of Americans will have developed a cavity at some point by the time they reach adulthood. However, just because cavities are the norm does not mean they should not be taken seriously.
When left untreated, tooth decay usually progresses at a rapid rate. In addition to pain and sensitivity, it may also cause structural damage to a tooth. Tooth decay can also cause gum disease, which is the inflammation of the gum tissues. Eventually, it can spread to other teeth, lead to infection, and even cause tooth loss.
For people with busy schedules, taking the time to brush and floss each day can seem like a nuisance. However, just a few minutes of daily care can significantly improve oral health. At the same time, ignoring good dental practices can have unfortunate and even serious consequences.
A lack of preventive dental care can cause more than just minor cavities that need a filling. Patients with poor daily habits are more likely to experience serious tooth decay, resulting in the need for crowns and root canals. Others may have to deal with tooth loss, requiring bridges, implants, or dentures for treatment.
Gum disease can also be an issue, which requires more frequent dental cleanings and other potential treatments to avoid tooth loss and infection. Patients who develop this issue are also more at risk for other serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis.
An unhealthy smile and poor oral hygiene can also have a significant impact on a person's confidence. Without good routine dental care, people are more likely to experience unsightly staining or discoloration, bad breath, and even missing teeth. Anything that prohibits a person's ability to smile and communicate freely can have a negative effect on their social and professional life.
To prevent cavities, gum disease, and many other oral health issues, oral hygiene must be taken seriously. Everyone should prioritize daily brushing and flossing, along with other positive lifestyle habits, to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Doing so can help patients avoid dental problems while also decreasing their risks for other serious health issues. By focusing on good oral hygiene and preventive dentistry, many people can enjoy healthier, stronger, and more beautiful teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://hemetdentalcenter.com or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at (951) 707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Preventive Dentistry in Hemet, CA.
Preventative dentistry can save you lots of money over the years. It also reduces the odds of you ever having a serious dental issue that can negatively affect your health. Most dentists spend the majority of their time administering preventative treatments.Dentists recommend getting teeth cleanings at least twice a year. It is one of the…
While teeth are important to maintain no matter what age a person is, it's rather quite important to follow a healthy dental routine throughout the latter parts of life. When people begin to age, their teeth are more prone to decay or erosion. With that being said, it’s important for seniors to follow a strict…
Prevention is always better than treatment, and preventive dental practices can help patients save money and avoid dental problems. Preventive dentistry is the practice of taking care of your teeth to keep them healthy and avoid issues such as enamel wear, cavities and gum disease. It is important for individuals to maintain proper oral hygiene…
If you need to get your teeth cleaned regularly, you probably know that the dental cleaning process itself isn’t exactly fun. Still, it’s worth enduring these uncomfortable moments in order to protect your smile and keep your mouth clean and healthy. If you’re getting your teeth cleaned regularly or if you just want to learn…
If you have a gap in your teeth, you may want to consider a partial denture for one missing tooth. The gap may be affecting your appearance and lowering your self-confidence. Even if the missing tooth is in the back and is not very noticeable, it is important to replace it because there are long-term…
Millions of Americans have a partial denture for one missing tooth. Partial dentures are similar to natural teeth in that sometimes they do not fit well or crack, fracture, or chip. When any of these situations occur, be sure to seek out a dentist to fix the issue quickly. Repairing broken dentures is important for…