Having a good dental hygiene routine is important from a young age. However, many people neglect their dental hygiene and are not in the habit of practicing preventative dental care.
The Negative Effects of a Poor Dental Hygiene
The consequences of neglecting your teeth surpass yellowing or discoloration. You may have heard from a dentist that routine care is important to avoid plaque buildup, but what does this mean?
When plaque builds up, it forms a tartar that must be removed by a dentist. Plaque can lead to a serious infection in your gums, which can result in the loss of bone that supports your teeth. In other words, you can end up with teeth that are loose — or lose your teeth!
Bacterial infections may also cause painful irritation and inflammation in the gums, as well as tenderness and bad breath.
The effects of gum disease are still being researched, but it may be linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other serious medical conditions.
Other Risk Factors for Dental Disease
Some other factors that can play into poor dental health include smoking, poor diet, certain medications, and even crooked teeth, to name a few.
What Is a Good Dental Hygiene Routine?
A proper dental hygiene routine includes caring for your teeth at home and routinely seeking dental care from a reputable dental practice.
How To Prevent Dental Disease at Home
Having a good oral hygiene routine at home is relatively inexpensive. Here are some basic steps you can take to care for your oral health.
Brushing
The significance of brushing your teeth cannot be overstated; it is the simplest way to care for your teeth. While it may be a good idea to brush after every meal, this is not always feasible. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily for two minutes each time. Consult with your dental care provider about toothbrush and toothpaste recommendations, as well as a brushing technique.
Flossing
Many people have a hard time keeping up with flossing regularly as they brush early in the morning or at night — times when they are most tired. Although tempting, it’s important not to skip this step; otherwise, you’ll pay for it in the long run!
Other Tips for Healthy Teeth
A healthy diet is beneficial for your dental health. Smoking, on the other hand, is extremely damaging to the appearance and health of your teeth.
Preventative Dental Care at Ivy Dental
In addition to caring for your teeth at home daily, be sure to follow up with a dental provider at least twice a year, or as indicated by them depending on the condition of your teeth. Visit a dental practice that offers a full range of services, such as Ivy Dental Orthodontic & Implant Dentistry.
We offer dentistry for children and adults, and we provide routine care, cosmetic procedures. surgical services, dental implants, emergency care, and more. Visit our website at theivydental.com to learn more.