Dental Hygiene

Proper dental hygiene is essential to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. Poor oral hygiene can cause a variety of oral health problems. Not only do these problems ruin your smile, they also jeopardize your oral and overall health. Poor oral hygiene can result in cavities, tooth decay, periodontitis, gingivitis, tooth loss, and more. By not cleaning your teeth properly and daily, you are putting yourself at risk for tooth decay and other oral health problems. If you are experiencing sensitivity or pain in your teeth when you bite, these may be early signs of tooth decay. With routine oral hygiene, such as regular and proper teeth cleaning, many of these problems can be avoided and prevented.

Cavity-causing bacteria is fueled when the carbohydrates in your food and drinks are not regularly and properly cleaned from your teeth. Within 20 minutes of eating, these bacteria can start to form plaque on your teeth. If you snack frequently between meals, you may want to brush and floss your teeth more than twice daily. Bacteria is almost always present in the mouth. However, limiting sugary foods and properly cleaning your teeth frequently can help prevent tooth decay. Additionally, good oral hygiene can prevent cavity-causing bacteria from progressing into gum disease, or gingivitis.

Tooth decay and gum disease can cost you more than your smile. Poor oral hygiene often results in costly bills from fillings, crowns, and other procedures. When oral health problems progress, you may need root canals and oral surgeries to extract damaged teeth and restore your smile with dental implants.