Wondering whether it is OK to skip oral hygiene from time to time? Read on to learn from a general dentist why that is not a good idea. All general dentists preach the importance of good oral hygiene between dental cleaning visits for a reason. The long-term focus for general dentists is on helping their patients keep a beautiful and healthy smile. The best way this is achieved is through good oral hygiene in between check-ups and dental cleaning visits.
This article discusses the importance of oral hygiene, highlighting the risks of not following good oral care practices, the benefits of good oral hygiene, and specific ways you can protect your smile at home between professional cleanings.
There are certain risks for those who do not practice good oral hygiene on a consistent basis, whereas keeping a consistent oral care routine offers a range of cosmetic and oral health benefits. The following is a closer look at oral hygiene and how you can protect your smile through at-home care.
Oral hygiene is important to protect the health of your teeth and gums. Plaque can accumulate on the surface of teeth and on the gums over time. If left for an extended amount of time, it can harden into tartar. Both plaque and tartar contain bacteria, which can combine with sugar and other carbohydrates and cause an acidic attack on the teeth and gums, leading to oral health conditions such as dental cavities and gum disease.
Poor oral hygiene could lead to oral health concerns such as dental cavities, oral infections, gum disease, the loss of bone inside the jaw, and the loss of teeth. Many of these concerns cost more to treat and are relatively invasive, requiring restorative treatment solutions such as dental fillings, root canal therapy, and tooth replacement. Poor oral hygiene can also impact the appearance of the patient’s smile.
On the other hand, there are numerous benefits to practicing good oral hygiene. In addition to the prevention of oral health concerns such as weakened enamel, cavities, gum disease, oral infections, etc., good oral hygiene can also improve the appearance of the patient’s smile, providing them with bright and clean teeth and gums that look healthy.
Most people understand the importance of brushing and flossing. It is important to implement a consistent oral care routine and not skip brushing and flossing sessions when traveling. It is also helpful to limit the consumption of sugar and other carbohydrates as well because they can combine with bacteria that naturally occur in the mouth and eat away at the dental enamel. Lastly, visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning visits is also important. These visits allow the dentist to remove plaque and tartar accumulation on teeth and along the gum line to reduce the risk of concerns such as cavities and gum disease.
Of course, the primary method of preventive dentistry that general dentists strongly encourage is regular dental cleanings. There are, however, additional preventive services to consider. This includes professional fluoride treatment; this is particularly helpful for individuals who may be at a higher risk of dental decay.
Another common preventive service that general dentists offer is dental sealants. These are plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surface of teeth (primarily molars and premolars) to protect these otherwise vulnerable areas from decay. Sealants are common for children and teenagers, although adults can benefit from them as well.
Regular visits to the general dentist are important; this is generally recommended two to three times per year. However, a visit for restorative care may be necessary if certain symptoms develop. These symptoms include swollen and tender gums, dark spots on teeth, and tooth sensitivity. In this case, restorative procedures may be necessary to restore the overall health and appearance of the person’s smile. Otherwise, any concerns are likely to worsen and potentially develop into more severe complications.
Our general dentistry practice recommends check-ups and cleaning visits every four to six months. During each visit, we can also answer any questions you may have that are related to protecting your smile between visits with good oral hygiene. To schedule a visit, contact us today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.leedentistryoxford.com or call Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (662) 546-1143 for an appointment in our Oxford office.
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