How you care for your smile every day plays a big role in the long-term state of your oral health. For example, the most common dental health conditions – tooth decay and gum disease – are also the easiest to prevent, but it takes consistently good hygiene every day and preventive care from your dentist. Slacking in your routine even once can make it possible for either to develop, and in the case of gum disease, that development often leads to the loss of one or more teeth. At our Overland Park, KS, dental office, we can help you improve your chances of avoiding gum disease by helping you recognize your biggest risks for developing it.
1. Letting plaque sit on your teeth too long
Dental plaque is a biofilm formed by oral bacteria, some of which are the main causes of gum disease. When plaque sits on your teeth too long (longer than a day or two), it calcifies into tartar, which can’t be removed at home. Tartar protects harmful oral bacteria as they infect and erode your gums, leading to gum disease development. Because of this, failing to consistently remove plaque from your teeth’s surfaces is one of the biggest factors in developing gum disease.
2. Neglecting to straighten crooked teeth
Even if you actively brush and floss your teeth every day, you might not be able to thoroughly clean them if they’re crooked. Tooth misalignment creates crevices and areas where plaque can form and your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. If you hesitate to correct your tooth misalignment, then every day that plaque develops increases your risks of gum disease. Fortunately, you can mitigate that risk by straightening your teeth discreetly with the help of Invisalign® clear aligners.
3. Postponing or canceling your checkups and cleanings
When plaque does calcify into tartar, you can effectively remove it by attending a professional dental checkup and cleaning. During each visit, we’ll carefully remove every trace of plaque and tartar from your teeth, preventing it from harming your teeth and gums. However, if you don’t attend your preventive appointments regularly, then tartar and oral bacteria have a greater chance of negatively impacting your gum health.
Learn how to lower your risks of gum disease
There are several ways in which you might be increasing your risks of gum disease. To learn more about how you can lower them and protect your smile, schedule your consultation by calling Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS, today at 913-381-2600.