Dental infections and periodontal disease not only affect the appearance of your smile but can destroy your oral health. Neglecting routine at-home oral and professional care places you at greater risk of losing teeth and bone density. At some point when you finally do try to “catch up” you may face painful complications that require extensive cosmetic procedures in order to restore the appearance of your smile.
Routine Prevention is the Key
Prevention is the key to maintaining a beautiful healthy smile. By making your dental care a priority you can save you the future cost and embarrassment of dental disease. One of the goals of the Manhattan Beach Dentist is to educate our patients on effective ways to prevent cavities and gum disease. Even the most consistent routine of brushing and flossing is not enough to maintain a healthy smile. Practicing good at-home oral hygiene is vital, but it must be paired with professional dental cleanings to be really effective.
Many of our patients understand the importance of following good oral health by following proper oral hygiene routines and avoiding damaging food and drinks. As we eat, drink, and speak a sticky bacterial film called plaque coats tooth enamel and oral tissue. Flossing and brushing help to remove some plaque build-up but cannot eliminate it completely. The plaque that is not removed hardens into a substance called tartar. Tartar continues to build up on teeth, causing dental decay, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss unless it is removed by your dentist during regular professional cleanings.
Steps You Can Take
You can easily take control of your dental health by:
- Maintaining a proactive at-home cleaning schedule (to reduce daily plaque build-up)
- Seeing your dentist for semi-annual professional cleanings (to remove tartar and give you a “clean slate” for brushing and flossing).
It is never too late to get back on track with your dental health routine. Start by scheduling a visit with Manhattan Beach Dentist office to give yourself and your family the best possible chance for optimal oral health.
