The Importance Of Maintaining Your Dental Hygiene

If you are like most people, odds are that you feel a certain amount of dread when contemplating your next dental check up or cleaning. It is quite common to experience some sort of fear or anxiety when visiting the dentist; this is an issue that many people struggle with each day. The time in which this becomes hazardous to both you and your health is when this fear or anxiety is allowed to progress and prevent you from practicing proper dental hygiene or attending your regular dental visits. Continue reading to learn the importance of maintaining your dental hygiene.

Know The Risks

Some people prefer to manage their dental health on a “don’t ask, don’t tell” basis. While this may give peace of mind in the moment, avoiding possible issues can lead to health hazards further down the road that can pose a serious risk to your health.

When the teeth are not properly cleaned, bacteria is allowed to sit on the teeth and under the gums. After a certain amount of time, the bacteria begins to eat away at the gum tissue, and beneath that, the bone. It is here that gum disease begins to form.

Gum Disease

The first stage of gum disease is known as Gingivitis. In this stage of gum disease, the gums become red and swollen. The individual will experience pain and bleeding in the gums, usually only when brushing or flossing. Gingivitis, while uncomfortable, is reversible with the proper care. In order to reverse this condition, an initial deep cleaning must be done in order to remove all of the bacteria that has been allowed to sit under the gums. After the initial cleaning, the individual will be placed on a strict hygiene schedule to maintain the cleanliness in the mouth.

Over time, the bacteria will eat away at the bone and cause disintegration, which can lead to looseness in the teeth. This condition is the second stage of gum disease, also known as periodontitis. This stage of gum disease is not reversible, but with the proper maintenance, the condition can be prevented from worsening. If this condition is allowed to progress, the individual will face the risk of losing their teeth, as there will not be enough bone structure to hold the teeth in.

Home Maintenance

Proper dental hygiene does not stop with in-office visits. In order to maintain your dental health, it is important to ensure that you are practicing proper home care and maintenance. Speak with your dentist and dental hygienist about the type of toothbrush they would recommend for you to use, and make a point to brush at least twice a day, preferably after every meal. It is also important to floss; flossing will allow you to remove any food or bacteria that has been trapped in between the teeth that you may have missed while brushing.

Moving Forward

Going forward with the information you learned here, work together with both your dental hygienist and dentist to develop a strategy to best maintain your dental health. Taking the extra steps now will help you improve your health in the future! Looking to schedule an appointment? You can now book your appointment at Summer Dental online 24/7. Click here to schedule!