While you hopefully take good care of your smile, you still need routine dental care to help ensure the health of your teeth and mouth. Visiting the dentist in Aldie, VA, every six months for a routine cleaning and exam can help detect any early signs of oral health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, so they can be treated before they develop into bigger issues. Regular cleanings also help remove plaque buildup and keep teeth looking bright and healthy.
Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric brush. Flossing at least once a day helps to remove debris from between teeth and prevent decay. Otherwise, you are only cleaning part of your smile and leaving harmful germs in place.
If You Don't Get Routine Dental Care in Aldie, VA
Not addressing oral health problems won't make them go away. In fact, it will only make things worse as time goes on. If you avoid seeing the dentist frequently, you will likely develop more cavities, suffer from painful teeth, and lose more of your natural smile's structure.
Cavities are more likely to develop in areas that are hard to reach when brushing and flossing. Once cavities form, they get worse very quickly. They are painful and rarely fixable without help from the dentist in Aldie, VA. The decaying tooth must be repaired with a filling or crown to prevent further decay. Without treatment, the tooth may need to be removed entirely.
You may also notice that your teeth are becoming more sensitive as time goes on. This occurs because tooth decay is eating away at your tooth enamel. The more sensitive your teeth become, the more uncomfortable your life will be. Your diet won't be as enjoyable because the sensitivity of your teeth will make enjoying your favorite foods less satisfying. Many patients with tooth sensitivity also experience headaches and earaches related to the discomfort of their teeth.
You may also find that your bite is getting worse over time. A bad bite refers to when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned. An open bite occurs when the upper front teeth do not touch the lower front teeth at all when biting down. The opposite of an open bite is a deep overbite or underbite, which occurs when the top teeth are too far forward or back compared to the lower teeth. These bite issues can lead to TMJ dysfunction and pain in the joints and muscles of the face. They can also cause the teeth to wear unevenly from the excessive pressure applied to them from a bad bite. This can lead to chips and cracks on the teeth and damage to restorations such as crowns and fillings.
To learn more, schedule a consultation with our dentist in Aldie, VA, today!
