Your smile makes up who you are. Keeping it healthy does so much more than maintain your good looks. When you let yourself fall into poor oral health, it can lead to a variety of serious issues that can become dangerous if left untreated. In the face of tooth decay and gum disease, find out how preventive care is your best defense!
If you live in or around Diamond Bar, read to the end to find out who performs expert preventive dental care near you.
Tooth Decay (Also Known As Cavities)
People mostly know it as cavities, but tooth decay is easily one of the most common yet dangerous dental diseases. It all begins when plaque starts forming on your teeth and produces acids that erode the enamel. This erosion is what causes holes to form, and these holes are what we call cavities. If left untreated, these cavities can lead to infections, abscesses, and even tooth loss.
How to Avoid Tooth Decay
Despite how dangerous it can be, tooth decay is one of the most preventable diseases. All you need is proper care, and this is how you do it:
- Brush and floss every single day. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day to get rid of plaque and food particles.
- Don’t consume as many sugary foods and drinks. Sugary and acidic foods can erode your teeth and increase your risk of cavities.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year. Regular checkups are essential for catching cavities early and doing something about it before it gets worse.
Gum Disease (AKA Periodontal Disease)
Gum disease, medically referred to as periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums and tissues surrounding your teeth. It starts off as gingivitis and evolves into periodontitis. When left untreated, it can cause tooth mobility and result in tooth loss. Gum disease is also concerning as it has been proven to have a correlation with heart disease.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Because there are a couple of stages before it becomes irreversible, gum disease is easy to catch and prevent, and even revert, with early detection. Therefore, dealing with gum disease is as easy as meeting with your trusted dentist on a regular basis. Brushing a bunch at home is good, but getting professional teeth cleaning done every couple of years will help you clean those impossible-to-reach spots that can result in gum disease if you let it sit for too long.
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Quitting Smoking Can Help Prevent Gum Disease Even with a solid at-home dental routine, you increase your chances of gum disease when you smoke. Smoking can dry out the mouth and make your teeth more susceptible to bacteria and infection. |
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer simply refers to cancer that develops in the mouth, throat, or lips. It may be relatively rare, but it shouldn’t be underestimated as it’s still one of the most dangerous conditions that can affect your oral health. Oral cancer can be difficult to detect in the early stages, which is why regular checkups with your dentist are so important.
How to Prevent Oral Cancer
While not all cases of oral cancer are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco significantly increases your risk of developing oral cancer. Therefore, quitting these substances is the best thing you can do for your oral health (and your overall well-being).
- Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase your risk of oral cancer, so it’s best to drink in moderation or not at all.
- Regular dental checkups include oral cancer screenings. Your dentist can spot abnormalities in your mouth, such as lumps or sores, that could indicate cancer. From there, they will suggest the best course of action.
Bruxism (Or Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism is the grinding or clenching of your teeth. This is more than just a bad habit as it can be done unconsciously during sleep. Over time, bruxism can lead to tooth wear, fractures, and severe jaw pain. Worst case, you may experience tooth loss. We can’t really help what we do in our sleep, so preventing teeth grinding can be a tricky task.
How to Prevent Bruxism
Finding ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, exercising, or meditating, can help reduce the likelihood of teeth grinding. Reducing your intake of caffeine and alcohol may help get rid of any anxious feelings that could be causing you stress. If you can’t help your stress levels or you still suspect that you are grinding your teeth in your sleep, your dentist can fit you for a custom mouthguard that protects your teeth and reduces the damage caused by bruxism.
Trust In the Power of Prevention
Many of the most dangerous tooth diseases that you just read about are preventable with proper dental care. Practice good oral hygiene, keep up with a balanced diet, and visit your dentist regularly to protect your teeth and gums from harm! If you’re in Diamond Bar or any of the surrounding communities, Phillips Ranch Dental is your go-to place for regular dental checkups near you.
Avoid Tooth Disease With Preventive Care at Phillips Ranch Dental!
Phillips Ranch Dental is dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile by giving you the means to prevent dangerous tooth diseases. Trust our compassionate team for routine dental checkups and advanced dental treatment with personalized care. Don’t wait until small issues become big problems! Call 909-860-0321 to schedule your next dental exam and professional teeth cleaning today. We have everything you need for a healthy smile, from preventive care to restorative dental solutions.
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