Throughout life, teeth are exposed to various external agents, such as acidic or sugary foods and drinks, but also to bad habits that can compromise oral health.
Performed at least once a year, regular check-ups at the dentist allow early detection and treatment of possible issues with teeth, gums, and the mouth in general.
Bacteria as the Culprits of Mouth Diseases
Major mouth diseases are generally due to poor oral hygiene or improper use of tools such as toothbrushes and floss. These lead to an increase in harmful bacteria.
This increase of bacteria is mainly due to:
- Dental plaque. A plaque is a transparent film that covers the teeth. This substance can be removed by daily oral hygiene, brushing and flossing teeth three times a day;
- Tartar. This is the calcification of dental plaque around the gums when it comes in contact with the minerals in saliva. This substance is particularly difficult to remove and can be responsible for gum inflammation and pyorrhea;
- Excessive consumption of sugars contained in foods and beverages. These foods feed the bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene at home is not enough to prevent oral diseases. Some diseases are often asymptomatic and can only be detected by a professional during a dental examination.
Periodic check-ups at the dentist, performed at least once a year, are essential to reduce the risk of caries, but also to avoid gum inflammation and maintain healthy teeth.
During these check-ups, the dentist may indicate whether professional teeth cleaning should be performed to remove tartar and surface stains from the teeth or possibly require in-depth examinations, such as x-rays, to get a broader clinical picture or evaluations with experts in implantology, dentures, orthodontics, and oral surgery.
