To keep your teeth clean, healthy, and strong, you might use the best toothbrush you can find, or you might add more calcium-fortified foods to your diet. Although these habits are good ways to protect your teeth, they may not be enough to stop adult tooth decay. However, you can prevent tooth decay and its consequences by having your teeth professionally cleaned.
What Are the Consequences of Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is a destructive dental disease that can lead to tooth loss (edentulism) over time. In addition, tooth loss doesn't just affect your physical appearance—it can wreak havoc on your diet and nutrition as well.
Your teeth are designed to cut, rip, slice, and tear food. If you lose teeth, other teeth must take over their jobs to compensate for the loss. If your gums hurt when you eat, you might chew all of your food on the side with teeth. Your jaw and facial muscles can eventually tire out from stress you place on them.
In addition, tooth loss disrupts the natural balance between your jaws and facial bones. The imbalance can make you appear older or more mature than your actual age. The tissues in your cheekbones and chin might also sag or wrinkle. Tooth loss can cause your jaw to shrink, especially along the jawline. The line may not look as defined and chiseled as it did before you lost teeth.
You can prevent the problems caused edentulism by having your teeth cleaned in a dental office.
How Do You Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
A dental cleaning is designed to remove plaque and bacteria from areas of your mouth you can't reach with floss or a toothbrush. These locations may include behind your back teeth and along the gumline. A provider will generally ask an assistant to take X-rays of your mouth before they begin the actual cleaning. Sometimes, cavities can form inside teeth or above the gumline. If X-rays reveal hidden tooth decay, a dentist will schedule treatment at a later date.
You may also undergo a physical or manual exam of your teeth and gums. Some men can experience problems with their gums as they age, such as gingivitis. Conditions, such as infection of the prostate gland, may have some effects on your dental health. So it's important to examine your gums and provide treatment for any problems they might have early on. A dentist may also recommend that you consult with your regular doctor about your condition to help prevent problems with your mouth.
After your exams, a dentist or their assistant will clean your teeth and gums. The cleaning may include polishing your teeth and cleaning your gums. A dentist may apply a bacteria-fighting agent on your gums to help keep them in good shape. Some dental providers apply sealants to their adult patients' teeth. Sealants protect the bite surfaces of your chewing teeth from plaque and bacteria. You may want to ask about dental sealants during your cleaning.
After you leave the office, continue brushing and flossing your teeth. If you have concerns about what type of toothbrush or toothpaste to use, contact a dental office for help. As you age, your teeth may weaken, or your gums may become sore. Bacteria can enter weakened or sore gum tissue, so be aware of this issue.
Also, work hard to maintain a good relationship with a dentist. High blood pressure, infection, and other health problems can affect the health of your teeth and gums. A dentist may locate these issues before they harm your health.
You can obtain additional facts and information about tooth decay and tooth loss by contacting a dentist like Kyle J Frisinger DMD.
Share6 November 2017
