Tips to Prevent Almost Any Dental Issue

There are some oral health concerns that some people have to deal with despite their best preventive efforts. For example, teeth can sometimes be congenitally misaligned and need orthodontic correction, or you may experience a dental emergency resulting from accidental trauma. However, the most common threats to develop against your smile are chronic, progressive conditions like tooth decay and gum disease, which can often be prevented with the right level of dental care and maintenance. The most important factor in successful prevention is consistency – with it, you have a much better chance at keeping your smile safe from most common dental issues.

Keep your teeth and gums clean

Brushing and flossing our teeth is one of the first things we learn about good dental hygiene, and that’s not just because it’s simple. It’s also key to keeping your smile healthy for life. Every day, harmful oral bacteria accumulate into plaque and cling to your teeth, including along your gum line. Certain types of bacteria behave uniquely, such as metabolizing sugars and carbs into acids, or releasing molecules that incite rampant inflammation. Before their harmful substances can lead to concerns like tooth decay or gum disease, you can effectively clean most of them away by brushing your teeth at least twice and flossing at least once every day.

Don’t ignore symptoms, even small ones

In addition to keeping your teeth clean, consistently examining your teeth and gums is also an important part of prevention. Every time you brush and floss your teeth, pay close attention to the appearance of your teeth and gums. Some of the earliest signs of trouble can include visible changes to the color and/or texture of your tooth structure or gum tissues. Other signs might include slight sensitivity in or around your teeth, bleeding in your gums when you brush and floss, and bad breath that won’t go away. If you notice any symptoms, even if it seems minor, you should address it as soon as possible by scheduling a visit with your dentist.

Have a conversation with your dentist

During every dental checkup and cleaning appointment, your dentist and hygienist will work together to thoroughly clean away any plaque you might have missed, and any tartar (calcified plaque) that might have developed. We’ll also carefully inspect your teeth and oral tissues for signs that trouble may be developing. With a trained and more experienced eye, we can more precisely note changes in your oral health and determine if they warrant further treatment.

Learn more about effective preventive dentistry

With consistently good hygiene and care from your dentist, you have a good chance at preventing almost any common oral health concern. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).