If you value your looks, you likely care for your mouth. You may even brush and floss so your teeth stay shiny. Still, it takes real diligence to avoid common oral health issues; half-hearted efforts won’t be enough. You thus need regular dental visits to reduce your risk of getting them. As for how and why a dentist helps, your Las Cruces dental provider can explain. Here are four typical oral health problems and how professional dentistry prevents them.
Sensitive Teeth
Per its name, “tooth sensitivity” is a condition where teeth easily ache from stimuli. It normally results from worn enamel or exposed tooth roots. When due to root exposure, the issue often stems from prior gum recession.
Thankfully, dental care helps you avoid this sensitivity. After all, qualified dentists will notice when teeth and their roots are exposed or worn. They can then suggest or prescribe desensitizing toothpaste, fillings, or even fluoride work that covers the revealed areas.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay – also known as dental caries – is damage to a tooth’s surface or enamel. It often results in tiny holes in teeth called cavities, usually due to bad oral hygiene or poor snacking habits. These “cavities,” in turn, can cause toothaches and even tooth loss in extreme cases.
All that said, dentists can easily prevent tooth decay from occurring. They’ll remove harmful debris that causes cavities when left unchecked. From there, plaque and bacteria won’t have a chance to wear down or erode your enamel.
Periodontal/Gum Disease
Specifically, periodontal or gum disease is a severe infection of a patient’s gum tissue. It’s typically caused by plaque along the gumline, leading to dark and swollen gums. If left untreated, the condition will advance from mild inflammation (gingivitis) to a more advanced stage (periodontitis).
Luckily enough, dentists even have the power to prevent gum disease. It’s just a matter of seeing them regularly – doing so lets them remove plaque buildup that triggers infections. At the same time, these periodic visits let them notice early gum disease and keep it from worsening.
Tooth Infection
Should your tooth suffer throbbing pain, it may be facing an infection. This problem occurs when tooth decay or damage isn’t properly treated. Either way, the issue lets bacteria invade and weaken a tooth’s root area.
Of course, dentists can stop tooth infections as well. Professional cleanings keep teeth from accumulating harmful germs in the first place. Plus, a dentist can use a crown to protect a relevant tooth from infection.
Ultimately, common oral health issues are something to watch for. Given that fact, remember the details above – your teeth and gums will thank you for doing so.
About the Practice
Painted Skies Dental Center is based in Las Cruces, NM. Led by Drs. Natalie and Ramon Ortiz, our practice strives to make smiles both beautiful and healthy. To that end, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental care. Our office can also perform periodontal and TMJ therapies. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (575)-521-8720.