The basics of good hygiene aren’t complicated. Most people know that brushing twice a day and flossing at least once is the only way to keep their teeth clean. They also realize that visiting their dentist regularly is the only way to prevent or treat any dental health issue that might develop. However, some patients don’t realize that their hygiene routines are lacking until they visit our Ankeny dental office and learn that their smiles are at a heightened risk.
Your teeth are changing color fast
Developing teeth stains doesn’t mean that your oral health is in trouble. In fact, stains can develop naturally over the years, even when your teeth are perfectly healthy. However, stains and discoloration appear much faster when you don’t effectively clean your teeth every day. Sometimes, it can indicate an excessive buildup of plaque and tartar, or the weakening of your tooth enamel that makes food stains appear faster.
Your teeth are too sensitive
When your tooth enamel grows weak due to inadequate hygiene, they can grow sensitive as well as change color faster. This sensitivity indicates that oral bacteria are attacking and eroding the protective enamel around your teeth at an accelerated rate (i.e., faster than the enamel can remineralize). This could mean that you must brush and floss more carefully, but it can also mean that you should limit how often you snack. The more oral bacteria metabolize food, the more damage they cause to your tooth enamel.
Your breath is bad, and getting worse
Oral bacteria that get stronger due to poor hygiene do more than affect your teeth. For example, they can also cause your breath to get increasingly worse and remain even after you’ve brushed your teeth. If you notice that you have chronically bad breath that doesn’t go away, then it may be time to revisit how well your hygiene routine is working.
Learn how to make your hygiene routine better
If your dental hygiene practices aren’t good enough, then learn how you can make it better before a serious dental issue develops. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA immediately at (515) 965-0230. We also proudly serve patients who live in Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities.
