It goes without saying that effective dental care begins with an effective dental routine, but what exactly are we protecting our teeth from in the process? Indeed, your grin endures a significant amount of wear and tear over the years, and it seems nearly everything influences your structural integrity in a negative manner. As a result, it is even more imperative that proper care is provided. In today’s blog, your Pella, IA dentist reflects on a few common concerns that plaque your smile, as well as what steps you can take to mitigate these issues.
Cavities and Tooth Decay
From a young age, your parent or guardian likely emphasized the process of brushing your teeth, maybe even going as far as to check if you completed the task properly. At the time, you probably shrugged it off and could not understand why it was such a big deal. The truth is, however, it is a big deal. As a matter of fact, your smile is constantly on the frontlines fending off oral threats from your smile, and the least we can do is practice a thorough preventive dental routine to keep it healthy.
As one of the most common threats out there, tooth decay affects millions of people every year. What’s more? It occurs when oral bacteria lurk in the hard-to-clean areas of the mouth and feed off of particles from the foods and beverages we consume. Certain products, including sugar, cause these microorganisms to produce a destructive acid, and this acid gradually weakens a structure.
Without proper care, a small hole known as a cavity will form. What’s more? This issue will continue to get worse and worse with time. Though fillings can help, the longer you wait, the worse the situation will become.
Periodontal Infections
In addition to dental decay, another common concern you need to be on the lookout for includes gum disease and infection. Indeed, this process sees oral bacteria making their way beneath your gum line and, as a result, plaque develops on your teeth roots. While it may not be a major concern at first, bear in mind that gum disease can cause bleeding gums, alarmingly loose teeth, and even permanent tooth loss. To mitigate these issues, a periodontal cleaning can help. Reach out to our team today to learn more.
Plaque and Bad Breath
Another concept to be aware of is the impact of plaque on your teeth. This material forms as the day progresses and houses bacteria that lead to bad breath, decay, and more. Because of its rapid development, it is imperative you brush at least twice a day to mitigate concerns.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
Contact Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA by calling 641-628-1121 to learn more about the dangers of oral threats, and schedule your next appointment with our team today.