Prevention is the most important aspect of professional dentistry, as well as your regular dental hygiene routine at home. That’s because preventing the issues that threaten your teeth and gums is better for your long-term oral health than treating them after they develop. In addition to brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once, that also means eating responsibly and visiting your dentist for regular checkup and cleaning appointments.

Chronic bad breath

When bad breath doesn’t go away, it’s often because of an excessive buildup of oral bacteria, particularly the ones that accumulate on the surface of your tongue. When your hygiene is lacking, bacteria are able to gather in force, and chronic bad breath may be one of the first signs that your oral health is in trouble.

Tooth decay/cavities

Other oral bacteria contribute to the plaque that develops and clings to your teeth. Many of these convert sugar and other carbs from your food and beverages into acid that attacks your teeth. Over time, these bacteria can lead to tooth decay, an infection in your tooth structure that causes cavities, or holes, to develop in your teeth.

Gum disease and tooth loss

Like tooth decay, gum disease is also a product of too much oral bacteria accumulation. The bacteria that gather along your gum line can eventually work their way underneath your gums, leading to an infection known as gingivitis (the beginning stage of gum disease). In its advanced stages, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, though you have a good chance at preventing both if you keep up with good hygiene and preventive dental care.

Learn More About the Value of Preventive Dentistry

With regularly good hygiene and consistent care from your dentist, you can prevent some of the most common and dangerous dental health conditions. To learn more, schedule a dental appointment by calling the Dimples Family Dentistry office in Norwalk, IA at 515-256-1176.