Essential Care
You already know how important it is to keep your teeth clean and healthy, so why haven’t you been to a dentist lately?
Essential Care is about keeping your teeth and gums in good health. A simple routine of brushing and cleaning between teeth every day, establishing good eating habits and having regular dentist visits can prevent many dental problems.
Plaque and Tooth Decay
Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Following a meal or snack, the bacteria release acids that attach to your tooth’s enamel. Repeated attacks can cause the enamel to break down, eventually resulting in cavities. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth help remove decay-causing bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
Plaque that is not removed can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. When tartar collects above the gum line, brushing and cleaning between teeth becomes more difficult. The gum tissue becomes irritated and inflamed. Gums may become swollen or begin to bleed. This is called gingivitis, the initial stage of periodontal disease or commonly referred to as “Gum Disease.”
Gingivitis is reversible with regular dental cleanings and good care at home. Left untreated, the gums may pull away from the teeth and form pockets that usually become infected. Without treatment, bone loss will occur and your teeth may become loose, fall out or require extraction.
Start your Preventative Care with Wilshire Center Dental Group. Give us a call to setup a time that is convenient for you and we will show you how technology has made dentistry virtually pain-free, in tandem with advanced treatment methods giving you back your happy and healthy smile.