Posts for tag: preventative dentistry
Although cavities tend to be associated predominantly with children, when factors like eating sugary snacks and poor brushing techniques increase the risk of tooth decay, adults are not immune. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rates of untreated tooth decay are actually much higher among adults. Like gum disease, tooth decay typically starts with a small cavity and gets worse over time. Without treatment, decay can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss in extreme cases. But the good news is that cavities and tooth decay are preventable. In addition to practicing good oral hygiene at home, Dr. Jill Markos, a dentist in Vancouver, WA, recommends following American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines for a dental checkup and cleaning every six months.
Tooth Decay Prevention and Treatment in Vancouver, WA
So you already brush after meals and floss every day - congratulations! You're off to a great start. Practicing thorough oral hygiene on a regular basis is the first step in preventing those pesky cavities and other common oral health problems like gum disease, which can cause everything from bleeding gums on the mild end of the spectrum, to tooth loss at the most severe stages (known as periodontitis).
But there are a few other important steps to take in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy at every age:
- See your dentist for preventive treatment - Many people wait until something is wrong to go to the dentist, but going to the dentist at least once or twice a year is a critical part of prevention and a good oral health care plan.
- Eat for your oral health - Dietary factors that are damaging to your general health, like eating and drinking too much sugar or consuming too much alcohol, also put your oral health at risk. Limiting sugary food and drinks and drinking alcohol in moderation will lower your risk of tooth decay.
Find a Dentist in Vancouver, WA
Don't leave your oral health to chance. Contact our office today by calling (360) 693-2544 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Markos for a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning.
Like getting enough exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet, most of us are aware that good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing every day, are necessary for an attractive and healthy smile. But even with an avalanche of information and the best intentions in the world, millions of Americans still suffer from some degree of periodontal (gum) disease every year, according to the American Dental Association.
In addition to daily brushing and flossing, Dr. Jill Markos, a Vancouver, WA based dentist, recommends scheduling a dental check up and professional cleaning every six months to monitor the ongoing health of your teeth and gums. Making regular dentist appointments a regular part of an oral healthcare routine is important for several reasons. Even with consistent brushing and flossing, traces of gum disease causing bacteria can still collect and solidify between the teeth and gums. Regular dental cleanings pick up where a toothbrush and floss leave off.
Preventive Dental Care in Vancouver, WA
The goal of a good oral hygiene routine is to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. No matter where you are on your oral health and general wellness journey, a visit to the dentist is a great place to start. Regular dental visits can also help us get back on track with our oral hygiene when we inevitably fall off every now and then. A busy schedule can make it easy to fall into bed too exhausted to brush and floss at the end of the day, or to overindulge on sugary drinks and snacks around the holidays. Visiting the dentist every six months will help to catch potential problems before they can advance and cause lasting damage.
Tips for Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Healthy Between the Next Dentist Appointment
- Carry a travel toothbrush or keep one in your desk at work to brush after lunch or afternoon snacks
- Flossing can be done at any point in the day, as long as you do it once every 16-24 hours
- Overconsumption of sugar can sabotage oral health as well as waistlines
- Smoking and tobacco use increase the risk of gum disease and tooth loss - just say no
Find a Dentist in Vancouver, WA
It is always a good time to invest in oral health. For more information on how to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth and gums healthy and looking their best, contact the office of Dr. Markos by calling (360) 693-2544 to schedule an appointment for an oral exam and professional dental cleaning today.