Oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of a person’s health. However, many overlook the significance of maintaining their teeth’s health, and turn to cosmetic dentistry treatments such as teeth whitening and straightening instead. This can be quite unsettling because cosmetic dentistry doesn’t really address the actual problems, although they could help to some degree. Therefore, people must be reminded of the different ways of practicing good oral hygiene and the consequences of neglecting them.
Plaque and tartar formation
Neglecting oral care practices could lead to many different detrimental effects. One of the most common results of bad oral hygiene is the formation of plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar are two separate things but are often interchanged. Plaque is the formation of a soft white layer on the surface of teeth where bacteria can be found. On the other hand, tartar is the formation of a calcified plaque and is very difficult to remove. Both of these, if left untreated, can lead to further damage such as gum disease or tooth decay. If you have braces or any other kind of corrective treatments applied to your teeth as well this can make proper brushing more difficult, but it is critical that you do this to avoid plaque build-up.
Gum inflammation
Gum disease includes the inflammation of the gums due to bacteria build-up in plaque and anyone suffering from it may need to visit a dentist specializing in periodontics for treatment. It can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis, which is a progressive form of gingivitis. It could also lead to halitosis (bad breath) or even tooth loss. You might need help from a professional practice of dentistry murrieta based or something similar if this happens.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is caused when the bacteria in plaque react with the sugars and starch in food and generate acids. These acids are invasive enough to cause holes or caries on teeth and expose the teeth’s nerves to even more bacterial infection. Extreme cases of bad oral hygiene also lead to falling teeth, bleeding gums, and in some cases, heart disease.
To avoid or slow down the development of these dental problems, there are certain practices that could be done. The best way to have healthy teeth is the regular practice of good oral hygiene. It will also ensure the effectiveness and longevity of the treatments you want to get. Oral hygiene practices are a must in your everyday life, because it goes without saying that you don’t want to be dealing with a broken tooth for which you might have to rush to an emergency dental care clinic!
Brushing the teeth regularly is the most basic practice, yet the most effective. The bristles of the toothbrush remove the plaque from the surfaces of teeth, while the fluoride in the toothpaste strengthens the tooth enamel. It is best to brush the teeth when you wake up, before or an hour after a meal, and before going to bed.
However, brushing the teeth is just not enough because it does not reach the areas in between the teeth. To ensure that you have cleaned those tiny gaps, you must use floss. Finish your routine with mouthwash to kill the remaining bacteria in your mouth. And remember, it’s also a good idea to schedule a teeth cleaning twice a year, as this can help in getting rid of plaque and tartar buildup, which are leading causes of cavities and gum issues. You can search for a westerville dentist or from elsewhere and book your cleaning appointment without any hassle. Your smile will definitely thank you for taking care of it!
Good oral hygiene goes beyond the daily routine. It also includes limiting the intake of sweets, avoiding smoking, having regular trips to the dentist. If you follow all these, then you’ll be enjoying the perks of having good teeth and gum condition. To top it all, you will achieve that naturally beautiful smile that everybody is looking for.
Oral Health Checklist created by Natomas Crossing Dental Care
