The fact that regular dental checkups and cleanings are important is well-known to most people. Yet, the consequences of avoiding them don’t usually hit patients until they start develop oral health problems because of it. Today, we help you prevent having to go through this by exploring three of the most common things that regular checkups and cleanings can help you prevent. By refreshing your memory, we hope to motivate you to stick to your regularly scheduled preventive appointments to help better preserve your smile.
1. Severe stains on your teeth surfaces
Sometimes, teeth stains can develop naturally, even if you keep your teeth clean and healthy. However, keeping your teeth and gums consistently clean can slow the development of natural teeth stains, and help you avoid those that could develop as a result of other concerns. During each visit, we’ll thoroughly clean away plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from the surfaces of your teeth so they don’t contribute to staining. This also prevents the bacteria in plaque and tartar from causing other problems, such as tooth decay, that could lead to severe tooth discoloration.
2. Tooth decay and cavities
Tooth decay is an infection in your tooth structure caused by harmful oral bacteria. These bacteria are ever-present in your mouth, but in small numbers, they don’t pose a threat to your teeth or oral health. Consistently cleaning your teeth of plaque at home and of tartar at your dentist’s office can help you significantly reduce your risks of developing tooth decay and the cavity that it could lead to. The key is to keep the enamel that protects your teeth clean, strong, and healthy, allowing it to repel small numbers of bacteria on a daily basis.
2. Gingivitis and gum disease
When oral bacteria infect your tooth structure, the condition is called tooth decay. When different oral bacteria infect your gum tissues, the condition is called gingivitis, and it’s the first stage of more destructive gum disease. While it doesn’t directly impact your tooth structure like decay does, gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss which is why preventing it is paramount to preserving your healthy, natural smile. In addition to keeping bacteria at bay with excellent dental hygiene, this also requires being diligent about attending your routine checkup and cleaning appointments.
Schedule your next checkup & cleaning
Sticking to your recommended schedule of routine preventive checkup and cleaning appointments is one of the best ways to avoid more serious treatment for oral health issues later. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Creekside Family Dental Care in Columbia, TN, today at (931) 388–3384.