Keeping teeth and gums healthy is important if you want to avoid extensive dental work, such as Orange County dental implants. Regular brushing and flossing, quitting smoking and having dental checkups are all great ways to make sure your smile stays sparkling for longer.
Why Oral Hygiene is Important to Avoid Procedures Such as Orange County Dental Implants
The two main dental problems that can be prevented by good oral hygiene are plaque and calculus. These are the primary causes of gum disease and tooth decay, and can lead to tooth loss.
Plaque forms on the tooth surface when naturally-occurring bacteria combine with food and saliva. Brushing regularly removes plaque from the teeth.
Calculus, or tartar, is calcified plaque stuck firmly to the teeth. It can only be removed by a dentist.
If plaque is not removed from the teeth it can lead to cavities, or tooth decay. The acids found in food are stuck next to the teeth by sticky plaque, and dissolve the tooth enamel. Depending on the severity of the problem you may need fillings, crowns or implants.