The Three Biggest Threats to the Quality of Your Oral Health

How much time do you spend thinking about your oral health on a daily basis? If you are like many people, you don’t think about it much at all. That is, until you have a toothache or other dental emergency. The reality is that if you took just a few minutes a day to take care of your teeth, you would greatly reduce the chances of suffering from a toothache or having other painful dental issues such as gum disease.

Today we are going to discuss the three biggest treats to your oral health. Once you know what they are, you will be better prepared to avoid them. If you have gone more than six months since your last dental visit, or you are experiencing pain or other trouble with your teeth or gums, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to schedule an appointment.

1. Poor oral health habits at home

There are many reasons people do not have an optimal at-home oral health routine. Some people forget. Others don’t know what good home oral health care looks like. Whatever the excuse is, it can cause serious issues. To properly care for your teeth at home, brush twice per day for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure not to brush too hard and brush in a circular motion – not up and down.

You should also be flossing on a daily basis. Not doing so allows plaque to build up between your teeth, and this will eventually lead to tooth decay. Over time, tooth decay will lead to gum disease, cavities, and even the loss of your teeth altogether.

2. Smoking

There are a million and one reasons for smokers to quit, including the fact that smoking often leads to gum disease and other issues. Smoking also renders your immune system less effective, which leaves your gums more susceptible to bacteria. This can lead to gum disease, and eventually to tooth loss. Of course, smoking also causes bad breath and discoloration of the teeth.

3. Not going to the dentist

We know that it can be tempting to skip a visit the dentist – especially if you have not had major dental issues in the past. However, we would encourage you to consider that the reason you likely have not had major dental issues is because you have visited the dentist on schedule. In addition to finding issues while they are still minor, your dentist also removes the tartar that could lead to serious gum and teeth decay.

These are just three of the threats that can make you more susceptible to bad oral health. If you have not been to the dentist lately, or you need help with your at-home oral health care routine, contact a local dentist at (800) 407-0161. California Dental Group looks forward to helping you get closer to excellent oral health.