Good hygiene is important enough that most people recognize its importance without needing prompting. Nevertheless, many people also grow slack in their hygiene routines from time to time, and unfortunately, that can sometimes be enough for more serious oral health issues to develop. The best way to keep your smile healthy for life is to prioritize good dental hygiene every day, and to visit your dentist for regular checkups to ensure that your hygiene routine remains effective.
To avoid being bothered by things like toothaches
Some of the more common problems that develop with your teeth, like chronic toothaches, start with poor or inadequate dental hygiene. That’s because they’re often caused by problems like tooth decay, which involves the erosion of your teeth’s protective enamel and the development of a cavity in its structure. This is caused by oral bacteria creating harmful substances like acid after metabolizing nutrients like sugar. To avoid excessive enamel erosion and increasing tooth sensitivity, it’s important to consistently clean away the oral bacteria that cause it, which requires brushing your teeth at least twice every day and flossing at least once.
To avoid more serious problems developing
Toothaches are common when your tooth enamel grows weak, but the discomfort can mean a lot of different things, as well. In addition to aching teeth, ignoring your dental hygiene routine can also lead to the full formation of tooth decay and cavities, gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease), and much more. The severe forms of these issues can lead to extensive harm to your teeth and/or oral structures, including the loss of one or more of your teeth due to an extensive dental health problem.
To limit your need for dental treatment
When poor or inadequate hygiene leads to something like tooth decay, gum disease, or more, the next step is to treat the condition as soon as possible to save the rest of your oral health. The longer you wait to receive treatment, the more trouble your teeth and oral tissues will be in. On the contrary, keeping your teeth and gums consistently clean and free of disease will significantly reduce your chances of needing extensive smile restoration and treatment for chronic dental health issues.
Learn more about prioritizing good hygiene
Good dental hygiene is necessary if you want to keep your smile healthy for life and avoid the need for more extensive dental restoration. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, today at (641) 628-1121.