What is dental hygiene?
Dental hygiene is the act of keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy to prevent disease. Poor oral hygiene habits put you at risk for serious dental concerns, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
Not only are these dental problems detrimental to your overall health, but they can become time-consuming and costly to treat. Good oral hygiene can help protect your mouth so that you don’t have to navigate extensive dental work and bills in the future.
Which types of dental concerns can good dental hygiene prevent?
Dental hygiene affects nearly every aspect of your overall oral health. Maintaining optimal oral hygiene can help prevent serious dental concerns, such as:
Tooth decay
Tooth decay, or a cavity, forms when debris and plaque build up on your teeth. The acids in plaque erode your tooth enamel over time, penetrating the protective barrier on the outside of your teeth. Without proper treatment, tooth decay can damage your entire tooth, leading to infection, cracks, and even tooth loss.
Gum disease
Your gums are the tissues that support your teeth and hold them in place so you can chew and bite down comfortably. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of bacteria and plaque on the gums that eats away at these tooth-supporting tissues. Untreated, gum disease leads to persistent bad breath (halitosis), gum pain and bleeding, and even tooth loss.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion happens when your upper and lower jaw don’t fit properly, which can cause tooth pain, jaw pain (TMJ), facial pain, and more. While you may not be able to prevent malocclusion, early intervention and orthodontic therapy can stop it from causing pain and tooth problems later in life.
How do I practice good dental hygiene habits?
The best way to maintain good oral health is by forming routine habits, such as:
- Brushing twice a day
- Brushing after eating
- Avoiding sugary drinks
- Flossing twice a day
- Maintaining bi-annual dental exams
When it comes to your oral health, it’s essential to stay in touch with the team at Sargon Dental. If you notice any concerning changes in your teeth or gums, such as tooth pain, bleeding gums, or loose teeth, your dental hygienist can evaluate your issue promptly.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
Dental cleanings are crucial in maintaining good oral hygiene. Schedule a dental exam at least once every six months to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. Sargon Dental has the latest dental technology available at their office to elevate your experience and provide you with the best care possible.
During your exam, your provider takes digital X-rays of your mouth to screen for any dental concerns that the naked eye can’t see. They also use special tools to remove plaque and bacteria and clean your teeth.
If you’re ready to work with a dentist who genuinely cares about your overall health and well-being, call Sargon Dental or schedule a visit online today.
