The Importance of Good Dental Health

What’s a cheap, easy way to avoid gum disease and expensive dental treatments?  Good oral heath habits! It may seem obvious, but the best defense against bad breath, tooth loss, and cavities involves taking good care of your smile. Take the time to thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day: before you leave the house to start your day and again before bed time to clear away the bacteria and particles that accumulated throughout the day. Cleaning between your teeth with dental floss removes the bacteria trapped in the spaces of your teeth before it can build up and cause decay.

Good oral health care includes more than just brushing and flossing, though. A visit to the dentist twice a year is essential to spot and treat decay before it becomes a painful and expensive problem. Some patients may need to visit the dentist more often, particularly if they have gum disease or are more susceptible to cavities due to genetics. During your examination, your teeth will receive a complete cleaning that removes the hardened plaque and stains that your toothbrush alone is unable to remove.

Damaged dental work opens the door for future decay. Existing dental work, such as fillings and crowns, are examined during your check up to ensure that there are no cracks or gaps in which decay can hide.  X-rays are an essential part of most dental exams, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the inside of your teeth, that shows areas with, or susceptible to, future decay. Once your mouth has been thoroughly examined, recommendations are made in regards to treatment, additional testing, or tips for improving your oral health. If you take good care of your teeth, you’ll have a bright healthy smile for years to come!