cute cartoon tooth with decay problem on blue backgroundWhether you are aware of it or not, your grin endures a significant amount of wear over the course of your lifetime. Because of this, your dentist recommends implementing a detailed oral care plan to provide ideal protection. Indeed, dental practices such as prevention, restorations, and even surface-level treatment are effective means for ensuring the health of your smile, but falling short in one or more areas can pave the way for significant complications down the line. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist take a look at a few concerns that can threaten your smile’s health, as well as what you can do to prevent them.

Dental Decay

From a young age, you often hear your parents insist on brushing your teeth and that it is important to your health. What’s more? The common purpose adults give is to prevent the spread of tooth decay. Indeed, more often than not, dental decay is the cited reason for proper dental care, as it is one of the most common concerns there are.

As a matter of fact, millions of individuals are affected by decay and infection every year, and many are unable to seek proper care before it has already begun to spread significantly. Because of this, it is important to stay on top of your routine preventive care. But just how dangerous is decay that is left unchecked?

While it may begin as nothing more than a softened spot on a tooth, decay will begin to spread until it has compromised and consumed your entire structure. The process begins when hyperactive oral bacteria secrete a dangerous acid on the surfaces of your teeth. This material begins breaking down your structures while working its way into the inner portion. Without proper care, you could face the need for a filling, a root canal, or even removal of the tooth altogether.

Periodontal Infections

Another common concern many people face involves periodontal infections or gum disease. This phenomenon occurs when plaque begins to develop on the tooth roots below the surface of your gums. It may begin as a minor irritation, but without care, this issue can result in alarmingly loose teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, and even significant tooth loss. Make sure to schedule your routine checkups with our team so that we can provide guidance and care for your grin.

Uncommon Threats

Though decay and gum disease are common concerns, they are far from the only things you need to worry about. Indeed, factors such as oral cancer, grinding your teeth while you sleep, obstructive sleep apnea, and many more issues are out there just waiting to wreak havoc. In order to keep your smile healthy, an effective preventive routine of brushing and flossing at home and attending in-office checkups is needed.

Schedule Your Appointment

To learn more about signs and symptoms of oral threats, contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500 today.