There is no way to overstate the importance of good oral health. Studies show that nearly 25% of all Americans have untreated tooth decay. And, more seriously, nearly 10% of all Americans have undiagnosed gum disease.
Brushing alone cannot help alleviate these issues. Let’s take a look at why brushing your teeth, even twice a day, isn’t enough for good oral health, what leads to certain oral diseases, and how working with a dentist can help.
Why You Need to Floss and Brush Daily
Brushing your teeth helps remove plaque from the surface of your teeth. However, the areas between your teeth are left untouched. Food stuff can deposit here where bacteria can multiply and wreak dental havoc. This can result in tooth decay, creating cavities or issues that may result in tooth extraction.
Unfortunately, this can happen with even the best brushing techniques. If you only brush your teeth, and brush your teeth improperly, for either a short duration or without enough force, you may be subjecting your teeth to plaque buildup.
Basically, brushing alone does not get rid of plaque formation that can lead to harmful bacteria proliferating. These bacteria can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
It is imperative that you not only brush twice a day but floss daily. This is because harmful bacteria need only a few hours to reproduce. Flossing helps reach areas of your mouth untouched by brushing.
The Importance of Professional Dental Care
Consistent visits with the dentist can help identify problem areas in your oral healthcare routine. They can suggest ways to improve your overall oral health and can prescribe certain medications, such as medical-grade mouthwash, to help alleviate gum disease.
As mentioned before, tooth decay is incredibly common. At the dentist, you’ll be met with many solutions. Dental restorations can come with direct treatments and indirect treatments.
Direct treatments are fillings to restore some strength and functionality to a tooth affected by decay. Whereas indirect treatment utilizes dental crowns, veneers, inlays, or onlays can be a longer-term solution than direct treatments. Your dentist will help you determine the best course of action for you and your teeth.
The Dentists at Lerner & Lemongello Are Proud to Help
Working with a dentist is necessary to help identify conditions you may be suffering from, plan potential ways to improve your oral health, and offer treatments. At Lerner & Lemongello, we take great pride in our ability to serve the areas in and surrounding South Florida.
Offering teeth restorations, dental crowns, dental bridges, and offering expert advice and knowledge, our team is here for you. If you’re looking for capable, compassionate care, call us at 561-627-9000 or click here to begin scheduling your appointment.