There are many things that you can do to maintain your oral health: brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth, using mouthwash to kill bacteria, avoiding tobacco products, eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients and vitamins, and regular dental checkups. However, while there are many preventive dental care practices that you can undertake on your own to improve your oral health, there is nothing more effective than making sure you visit the dentist regularly. Visiting your dentist in Northbrook on a regular basis allows them to catch issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or other problems early on when they are much easier and less expensive to treat.
Dental problems can be very serious and cause pain, discomfort, and even lead to more significant health issues if not treated on time. These problems can include tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections which can be dangerous to your overall well-being if left untreated. If you are able to catch these issues during your routine dental appointments, the treatment will be minimally invasive and you can avoid more invasive and costly procedures down the road.
It is also important to note that your dental health reflects the state of your overall health. Studies have shown that poor oral health habits can increase your risk of developing several diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. During your dental appointment, your dentist will look for signs of oral disease such as inflammation in the gums, cracked or missing teeth, and excessive bleeding during chewing. They will also feel behind your jaw to see if you have any signs of teeth grinding or clenching which can contribute to tooth damage and jaw joint issues.
Your dentist will also be able to provide you with professional advice and guidance on your own personal oral hygiene regimen. They will give you tips on how to improve your brushing and flossing techniques in order to achieve better results at home. Additionally, they will be able to help you avoid certain lifestyle choices which can lead to oral health problems such as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption.
In addition to preventing, detecting, and treating oral health issues, routine dental visits can also offer a number of cosmetic benefits. For example, your dentist will be able to remove surface stains from your teeth which will leave you with a brighter, healthier looking smile. They will also be able to clean your teeth thoroughly, removing plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing cannot. This will make your teeth feel smooth and fresh and improve your confidence in your smile.
Lastly, visiting the dentist on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease which can lead to tooth loss if not treated. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and can cause other serious health problems such as sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing and difficulty eating and may even be linked to chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.