The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups.
What are the benefits of taking care of my mouth?
Keeping your mouth healthy will help prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Keeping up with regular dental visits helps detect problems early on so they can be treated before they become more serious.
How often should I see my dentist?
You should see a dentist every 6 months for cleanings and checkups. Your dentist will also be able to see if you have any problems or issues that need to be addressed during these visits.
What are the signs of dental ill health?
Dental health is important for your overall health. It’s not just about what you look like, it’s about how you feel and whether there are any other medical issues you might have.
If you have any of the following signs, it could be time to see your dentist:
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or gum disease, is a serious condition that affects your gums and bones that hold your teeth in place. This can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Gum disease is caused by plaque build-up on the surface of your teeth, which leads to infection in the gums and sometimes even the bone surrounding them.
Bad breath (halitosis), which can be caused by gum disease or worse problems such as stomach ulcers or lung infections.
Sensitive teeth (dentin hypersensitivity). Dentin is the main part of a tooth that lies underneath its outer layer of enamel; it helps give strength to teeth and anchors them in place within their sockets in your jawbone. If you’ve experienced dentin hypersensitivity before, then this can be an early sign of gum disease or other dental problems such as cavities or a broken tooth