What Your Dentist Wants You to Know/Do in 2019
Sometimes, it’s the littlest thing that causes big problems. Have you ever watched a crack in the ice? It starts out small, but soon spreads across the entire surface. The same is true for your teeth. One tiny issue can do some serious damage over time.
Bacteria
Bacteria are small – so small you need a telescope to see them. But every time you eat, you’re rolling out the welcome mat for those tiny bacteria to invade your mouth. They feed on the food residue left in your mouth and then produce acid, which attacks the enamel on your teeth, causing decay and gum disease. If you’re an all-day sweet snacker or a constant coffee sipper, you’re never giving your teeth a break from the attack. Try sticking to a regular meal schedule, with just a couple of snack-times during the day. And if you can’t brush after meals, be sure clear your mouth of debris by drinking plenty of water.
Bleeding Gums
Healthy gums don’t bleed during regular brushing and flossing. If you’re seeing blood frequently after your regular oral health routine, it’s time to talk with your dentist. It might be as simple a fix as learning a better flossing technique, or there could be a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.
That Tiny Chip
A chipped tooth – no matter how tiny – is more vulnerable to decay. Here’s the situation. Losing even the smallest piece of your tooth exposes the softer, bone-like tissue that covers the root. Once bacteria works its way into that chip, that tissue is quick to decay. So even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal, head to the dentist for a professional’s opinion.
Gum Disease
We all know that gum disease leads to bad things happening in the mouth. Inflamed gums can pull away from the teeth, creating space for bacteria to get in there, which might lead to infection or even loss of the tissue and bone that supports your teeth. And then it gets even worse. There’s research showing a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Having a healthy mouth is critical to your overall health and well-being.
All of these little things can contribute to big oral health issues. This is the reason it’s important to visit the dentist regularly. Together with your dentist, you can talk through your situation – issues large and small – and come up with the best way to make sure you maintain a healthy smile throughout the new year.
