Oral hygiene is an important part of your overall wellbeing. Tooth decay is reversible in its early stages but neglecting it can lead to more serious issues, such as infections and gum disease. Tooth decay can damage the exterior and interior of your teeth, as plaque and tartar can cause discoloration, staining, and yellowing that requires utilizing cosmetic dentistry programs to fix.  Besides tooth decay, injuries or gum disease can lead to missing teeth, which is why cosmetic dentistry programs offer options like implants and veneers. 

Common Dental Problems

Most Americans have experienced a cavity or have untreated tooth decay. Tooth decay is highly preventable by practicing proper oral hygiene and regularly seeing your dentist, however many adults don’t their dentist as often as they should. Annual exams are important because your dentist can:

• Remove plaque and tartar 
• Check for cavities 
• Administer fluoride treatments
• Offer teeth whitening services
• Deep clean your mouth and teeth

The cause of many dental problems is tooth decay, which is the result of failing to remove bacteria and food particles. Particles can become trapped between your teeth, which creates a food source for bacteria. Sugar and starch are the main food source for bacteria in your mouth. This process causes plaque to develop on the exterior of your teeth.  Brushing can remove plaque, but cosmetic dentistry programs may become necessary if tartar develops. While you can remove plaque at home by brushing and flossing, tartar is a hardened form of plaque that requires cosmetic dentistry programs to rectify.  Tartar can cause your teeth to become discolored, which may require teeth whitening services or dental veneers to fix. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Programs

Cosmetic dentistry programs can offer:

• Implants
• Dentures
• Dental veneers
• Braces
• Dental fillings
• Dental bonding

Cosmetic dentistry programs specialize in restoring your teeth to their natural appearance. That includes fixing damaged, cracked, or chipped teeth. The reason why addressing missing or damaged teeth is important is because when a tooth is structurally compromised, it can impact your jawline and bite. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth shift to fill the gap. This movement can result in an overbite, underbite, or crooked teeth.  Struggling with discoloration can be embarrassing and cause you to avoid smiling. If your discoloration was the result of tartar buildup, cosmetic dentistry programs can remove it. Failing to remove tartar can lead to the enamel on the outside of your teeth becoming damaged. Enamel is the outermost layer of your tooth and when it wears down, your teeth become discolored. 

Oral Hygiene Tips

Practicing proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent dental problems. It is important to brush and floss daily, as it removes food particles, bacteria, and plaque. Particles can become trapped between your teeth and gum line, which can lead to gingivitis.  Brushing and flossing also prevent tooth decay. Since tooth decay can lead to cavities in your teeth that provide an entry point for bacteria, untreated cavities can put you at risk for experiencing a painful tooth infection. While tooth decay is reversible and easily treated, conditions like infections and gum disease require a higher level of care. Cosmetic dentistry services may be necessary if you ignore early signs of tooth decay. Certain lifestyle choices, such as your diet, can play a role in your dental health. Limiting your sugar and caffeine consumption reduces your risk of tooth decay, as does avoiding tobacco products. Making sure that you see your dentist at least once a year ensures that any dental issues you do have are quickly identified and addressed.  If you are having discomfort, making a dental appointment, or learning more about available cosmetic dentistry programs, is especially important, as pain is usually a sign of a dental problem.