Good dental hygiene is one of the best things you can do for your mouth. That includes both home dental care and professional dental hygiene. Here’s the importance of both of these types of care:
At-Home Dental Hygiene
It may not feel like a big deal to skip brushing or flossing your teeth every now and then. But did you know that plaque forms on your teeth after every meal or sugary drink? That plaque can start forming into hardened tartar quickly. Once that happens, it won’t come off until your next professional cleaning.
So, you might ask, why do you really need to protect your teeth from tartar? One reason is, of course, that it’s unsightly and can cause bad breath. But much worse, tartar provides a protective shell for acid-causing bacteria to erode your enamel surfaces without being washed away by saliva or brushed away by your toothbrush. This means that with more tartar, you’ll be much more prone to cavities. And tartar can also irritate your gums; the pathogenic bacteria it shelters can cause gum inflammation, which is a symptom of the first stage of gum disease.
Professional Dental Hygiene
By now you’ve probably guessed one reason why your professional dental cleanings are so critical: to remove any tartar and plaque that may have built up on your teeth. But what if you brush and floss every day? Your dental hygienist is still a vital partner in keeping your teeth safe and healthy.
Your professional dental hygienist can monitor your mouth for any plaque and tartar buildup and alert you to any spots you may have been missing when you brush. After all, your mouth may have some tricky spots (such as behind your molars) that are challenging to reach with brush and floss. Your hygienist can also let you know if you’re brushing too hard, since this can actually cause gum recession, and monitor for any other problems.
As you can see the importance of staying on top of your dental hygiene needs is critical to prevent cavities and gum disease. If it’s time for your checkup or cleaning, get in touch with Westmoreland Dental Group today to schedule an appointment.