Why Take Dental Care Seriously in Preventing Gum Disease?

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Dental care is a fundamental element in our everyday lives. This involves taking care of our teeth and gums to avoid dental problems. Some common problems are tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to the tooth’s outer part, known as enamel. If we ignore our teeth and gums, severe complications may occur. 

These complications might be tooth loss, surgeries, and even more dental visits. Today, we will discuss why dental care plays an essential role in preventing gum disease and maintaining overall oral hygiene.

The Menace of Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

Let’s first understand what gum disease is. It is also known as periodontal disease. This is a common condition that affects the tissues around the teeth. It mainly comes from poor dental hygiene which leads to plaque and tartar build-up that inflame the gums.

  • Plaque and Tartar: These two often seem confusing. Plaque is a filmy substance that sticks to the teeth, while tartar is a hardened form of plaque. Both are home to harmful bacteria which cause damage to the teeth and gums. Failure to clean these bacteria results in tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Enamel Damage: The outer part of the teeth, known as the enamel, is also under threat from gum disease. The ongoing disease can cause cavities in the enamel, leading to tooth decay. If the situation gets worse, tooth loss can occur, which is very distressing.
  • Tooth Loss: When gum disease progresses, it can destroy both the gums and teeth, leading to tooth loss. In this scenario, one may have to go to a dental clinic for surgery. The usual solutions are getting dental implants or overdentures to replace missing teeth.

Importance of Dental Care in Preventing Gum Disease

Dental care is crucial as it prevents gum disease. This reduces the need for painful and costly procedures at the dental clinic. Good oral hygiene practice, limiting harmful habits, and routine dental visits are necessary for good dental care.

  • Oral Hygiene: Daily dental hygiene involves using a soft-bristled toothbrush, dental floss, and a specific kind of toothpaste. This toothpaste should not be abrasive to prevent damaging the teeth. Together, they help in cleaning the teeth regularly to avoid plaque and tartar build-up.
  • Lifestyle Adaptations: Some lifestyle behaviors contribute to poor dental health. Examples are excessive alcohol consumption and excessive smoking. Controlling these habits can go a long way in preserving your oral health.
  • Regular Dental Check-ups: Visiting the dentist for regular check-ups sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Frequent visits to your dentist will help detect gum disease at an early stage. Early diagnosis will thereby aid in treating the disease before it becomes severe.

Dental Implants as a Solution to Tooth Loss

When tooth loss occurs, a dental implant might be the solution. This is a surgical fixture inserted into the jawbone and given time to fuse with the bone. It typically takes a few months for this fusion process.

  • Implant Procedure: The procedure involves surgery where titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone. After the jawbone and the titanium posts have fused successfully, artificial teeth are then attached to these posts.
  • Post-Implant Care: Taking good care of the implants is significant for the longevity of the dental implants. This includes frequently using specific dental floss and regular dental check-ups.
  • Dental Implants Cost in Southampton: The cost of getting dental implants in Southampton can be different for different persons. Several factors cause this variation, and one of them is how complex the procedure will be. However, investing in regular preventable measures such as professional dental care can help keep the costs pretty low in the long term.

Post-Procedure Care and Maintenance

Once you’ve successfully gotten your dental implants or teeth straightened, proper oral care must continue. Following an adequate oral hygiene routine helps to maintain the health of teeth and gums post-procedure.

  • Dental Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing of teeth are important, including areas around dental implants. This helps to prevent the buildup of plaque and possible occurrence of implant-specific infection called peri-implantitis.
  • Reducing Teeth Grinding: Some persons have the habit of grinding their teeth, especially during sleep. Using a nightguard can prevent unnecessary pressure and damage to your teeth and dental implants. This is a form of Mouthguard for teeth grinding, and it’s very useful.
  • Regular Check-ups: Going back to your dentist routinely is also necessary. Your dentist will check to confirm that your teeth are healthy and your dental implants are functioning properly.

Invisalign: An Effective Approach to Teeth Straightening

When it comes to getting your teeth straightened, Invisalign is an excellent opportunity to explore. It is a modern method involving custom-made invisible aligners that gradually position the teeth where they should be.

  • Teeth Aligners: This method makes use of aligners that are not easily noticeable, comfortable, and removable. This makes it a compelling alternative to conventional metal braces that are often not appealing.
  • Application: A dental expert usually supervises the application of these aligners. They are adjusted periodically to ensure teeth are moving as designed.
  • Achieving Desired Results: Depending on how complex your teeth alignment is, the process ranges from 6 to 18 months. After this period, the desired results would have been achieved.

Conclusion

There is a need for everyone to have a priority for good dental care. It plays a critical role in preventing gum disease, keeping a healthy mouth, and saving natural teeth. However, there are cases where tooth loss becomes inevitable. When this happens, there are procedures like dental implants that offer long-lasting and functional solutions for missing teeth. 

With regular check-ups and a consistent oral hygiene routine, we can all guarantee optimal oral health, function, and a beautiful smile.