This may sound a little oversimplified, but in essence, it’s the truth. If you want to preserve your teeth and keep your smile looking beautiful, the best thing you can do is regularly visit your dentist. Your dentist provides you with thorough cleanings and examinations that reduce your risk for common oral health problems. When you diligently brush your teeth at home and make biannual visits to the dentist’s office, you take huge steps toward protecting your smile. Oral health care isn’t complicated, it’s just about being consistent.
Consistent Home Care Prevents the Buildup of Bacteria
How does a cavity form on your tooth? Bacteria naturally populate your teeth and oral tissues. If you don’t do anything to disrupt the bacteria on the surface of your tooth (like brushing your teeth), the bacteria will grow and multiply. As the bacteria grow, the metabolize sugars (which is why it’s important to avoid sticky, sweet foods), and the byproduct of that metabolization is acid. That acid wears down the enamel of your tooth, and eventually it forms a hole — a cavity. Brushing your teeth, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash are all methods that remove bacteria buildup.
Preventive Care Can Also Protect Your Smile from Harm
You should think of visiting your dentist as preventive care. Preventive care seeks to eliminate threats before they become problems. When you take a preventive approach to your health, you’re not allowing bacteria the opportunity to form cavities. Your dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly to remove any bacteria that have built up in difficult-to-reach areas. You’ll also receive an examination, and possibly x-rays, so that your dentist can get a good look at the structure of your teeth. These biannual check ins go a long way toward preventing serious conditions.
Dental Visits Are a Good Time to Address Other Issues
Your dentist isn’t limited to helping you with your teeth and gums. Your dentist can also treat conditions like sleep apnea and bruxism. While these conditions aren’t directly affected by bacteria in your teeth, they are related to your mouth and airways. If you struggle with sleep apnea, you’re constantly snoring, and you don’t get the sleep you need, your dentist can likely fit you with a mouthguard to help you sleep at night. A similar treatment method can help you overcome bruxism, or teeth grinding in your sleep.
Make Your Appointment with Elm Creek Dental
If you want to protect your smile for the future, make sure you’re visiting the dentist twice a year. Elm Creek Dental welcomes new patients of all ages for general dental care. To make an appointment at Elm Creek Dental, contact the office in Maple Grove, MN at 763-416-0606.