There are several consequences to not properly maintaining your oral health. Cavities are a common problem, one that people tend to be familiar with, but this is not the only issue that can impact your appearance and well-being. Trouble with your gums and your general appearance can also impact you if you do not follow good habits. Remember that properly maintaining your smile calls for more than just daily brushing and flossing. At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we can help you by providing valuable routine oral health services at your checkups and cleanings. If your dentist spots a problem at your visit, you can move forward with the appropriate restorative dental work to address an issue before it worsens.
1. Trouble With Gingivitis And Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, one that you can identify and address with good brushing and flossing habits. A patient who has symptoms of gingivitis can undergo a periodontal cleaning at our practice. A periodontal cleaning is provided instead of a traditional teeth cleaning – your periodontal cleaning will involve care to remove bacteria below your gum line. If gingivitis is not addressed in time, there are several issues that can affect you as your infection grows more severe. Advanced gum disease can call for care from a specialist, and it can lead to general health problems as well as tooth loss!
2. Problems With Dental Decay
While cavity problems are a common concern, you should not write them off as not serious. In time, tooth decay will lead to problems with an infection, which can lead to chronic pain and sensitivity, and can even lead to the spread of bacteria that affects your well-being. At regular checkups, your dentist will look out for any signs of cavities. A smaller cavity can be treated with a dental filling. While this service still calls for the permanent placement of a restoration, it minimizes the work needed to protect your tooth. A more serious cavity can lead to complications, and can require treatment with a dental crown. Crowns provide lasting protection, but they require more changes to your tooth structure.
3. Accumulated Teeth Stains
Teeth stains are not necessarily a sign of poor oral health, but remember that your daily hygiene efforts help you remove the particles that gather on your enamel when you eat and drink. Without the right efforts, your teeth can eventually become so stained that a professional whitening procedure is needed to restore the way you look.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Improving Your Oral Hygiene
Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is happy to provide guidance on better oral hygiene, and we can protect your smile against problems that may have formed since your last visit. To find out more about our practice and services, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
