It is very important to maintain good oral healthy. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is just as important as working out. Not taking care of your teeth can actually affect other parts of the body in very negative ways. Just brushing is not enough and even if there are no obvious issues, regular visits to the dentist are necessary. It is a good idea to find Dental care St. Louis that you do not mind visiting at least twice per year for regular check-ups.
Ignoring oral care is hard on the body. Not brushing your teeth can lead not only to cavities, but to a gum condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis causes swelling and reddening of the gums. It can make the gums very tender and they will bleed easily, eventually pulling away from the teeth and causing pockets between the gums and teeth. These pockets collect bacteria, and bacteria stinks. Gingivitis is a major cause of bad breath and it can cause even worse problems if left untreated. Eventually, the gums will detach far enough from the teeth that they will become loose. These loose teeth will eventually have to be removed and false teeth, or dentures, will replace them.
Cavities are just as unsightly and possibly more painful than gingivitis. Untreated cavities can cause an abscess. An abscess is an infected pocket that forms due to bacteria buildup in the cavity. This can be very painful and dangerous. An untreated abscess can be deadly, but more likely, the pain will drive you to the dentist quickly. It is best to avoid cavities altogether or to have them corrected quickly. Leaving a cavity in the mouth untreated will lead to much more expensive dental treatment down the road.
When seeking Dental care St. Louis, a good dentist will check for cavities and gingivitis. They will clean and polish the teeth at least once per year, but usually twice. Gingivitis is very common and if it is found, deeper cleanings can be done to remove tartar and plaque from below the gum line.
