Neglected Teeth Can Spell Trouble

Although preventive dentistry is probably the best healthcare investment, many people don’t see their dentist twice a year for their regular cleanings and checkups. Not seeing the immediate harm makes it easy for people to neglect this important healthcare routine.

However, over time neglected teeth can lead to problems, including:

  • Discolored teeth
  • Cavities
  • Toothaches
  • Infected teeth
  • Gum disease
  • Tooth loss
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Major health problems

It doesn’t take long for neglected teeth to start losing their shine. They begin to stain and unattractive tartar deposits start to grow. The buildup of bacteria can lead to cavities, which can sometimes cause painful toothaches. A tooth infection is itself very painful, and can sometimes turn deadly.

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that is more likely if you don’t get regular professional cleanings. It’s the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Unhealthy teeth and gums can make it hard for you to enjoy a good life, and they can contribute to health risks like heart disease, dementia, autoimmune disorders, and more.

Why You Need Regular Professional Cleanings

It’s important to perform your daily oral hygiene routine–this is a critical part of preventive dentistry. However, no matter how well you brush, you still need professional cleanings regularly.

Plaque, a combination of oral bacteria and food residue, is soft and easy to remove from your teeth by brushing and flossing. But as it accumulates in your mouth, it also absorbs minerals in your saliva. These minerals are there to repair your teeth, but they turn plaque into a hard deposit called tartar. It’s like a rock on your teeth. It’s unattractive and it shelters oral bacteria, letting them grow, which increases your risk of cavities and gum disease.

Your hygienist has the tools to safely remove tartar, restoring the appearance and protecting the health of your teeth and gums. How often you need cleanings to keep tartar under control depends on  your diet, your home hygiene routine, and your saliva. Every six months is good for most people, but sometimes you need one more or less often.

Exams Protect You from Surprises

After your cleaning, Torrance, CA dentist Dr. Webber will examine your teeth. This helps him detect tooth problems when they’re minor and can be dealt with easily.

When problems are detected very early, Dr. Webber might just recommend minor changes to your hygiene or diet. A little later, and you might need fillings to repair the damage and stop future problems.

However, this is preferable to serious cavities that require a dental crown to protect a tooth or a root canal treatment to remove infection. And it’s definitely better than needing an extraction to remove a hopeless tooth, which must then be replaced with dentures, bridges, or dental implants.

Are You Due for a Cleaning and Exam in Torrance,CA?

If you are looking for a dentist in Torrance, CA to protect your teeth with a cleaning and exam, Dr. Webber is ready to help. He not only takes care of your teeth, he strives to make you feel as comfortable as possible during your visit. Not only is the office warm and inviting, but he and his staff strive to make you feel at home. If you have anxiety, he even offers sedation dentistry to help you overcome it.

Please call (310) 534-3477 today for an appointment with Dr. Webber at Simply Smiles in Torrance, CA.