When you think of your overall oral health care, the first thing that comes to mind may be how often you visit your dentist, and whether or not you need treatment for a specific dental issue. In many cases, the hygiene routine you practice at home is considered a separate and completely different issue. However, both your dental hygiene and your routine preventive dental care are intricately connected. If your goal is to keep your smile healthy for life, then it starts with how well you care for your teeth at home.
Before you develop an oral health concern
The best time to start taking your oral health seriously and caring for your teeth more diligently at home is before a dental issue develops. Some of the most common concerns to develop from things like oral bacteria, such as tooth decay and gum disease, are progressive. They won’t go away on their own, and the damage they cause will continue to grow worse every day, even if you don’t realize it at first. Fortunately, taking good care of your teeth and gums by keeping them clean, eating healthy, and avoiding exposure to unnecessary pressure can help you significantly improve your chances of preventing these concerns from developing.
Managing a problem that already exists
Preventing dental health concerns from forming is the most effective way to protect your smile from them. Unfortunately, that isn’t always successful, and at some point, you may have to deal with a problem in your gums or with your teeth by actively treating it. The specific treatment you receive depends on the specific concern you develop. However, in most cases, the success of your treatment depends on you ramping up your dental hygiene routine and preventive efforts. For instance, if a tooth is damaged and restored, then caring for your teeth more diligently will help ensure the restoration successfully protects the tooth from further harm.
Keeping an eye on your long-term oral health
Whether you’ve successfully prevented an issue from threatening your smile thus far, or have had to maintain a custom restoration for years, maintaining your good oral health at home also requires being attentive to your teeth, gums, and any existing restorations. Some of the early signs of problems with your teeth and gums can be visible signs, such as discoloration in your tooth structure or gum tissues. If you have a current restoration, then the appearance of it might indicate if it’s been damaged, or has worn down to the point of losing its functionality.
Learn how to improve your dental health at home
You spend a lot more time with your teeth than your dentist does, which is why their long-term health and integrity depends mostly on how you treat them. To learn more, schedule an appointment or initial consultation by calling Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI, today at (248) 852-1820.
