Your dentist plays an important role in keeping your smile healthy for life, but the basics of a healthy smile involve what you do at home every day. A consistently good hygiene routine, which means brushing your teeth twice and flossing at least once every day, is the only way to keep harmful plaque from overwhelming your teeth and gums. As such, a good hygiene routine is also one of the most important ways for patients in North Hollywood to prevent serious dental issues that could lead to the need for more extensive treatment options.

The need for fillings or root canal treatment

Cavities, which are caused by tooth decay, are the most common condition to result from excessive plaque and tartar buildup. The harmful oral bacteria found in plaque produce harmful acids that erode tooth enamel, allowing the bacteria to infect the tooth. If this happens, then you’ll need to fix the tooth by filling the cavity or by undergoing root canal treatment, depending on the extent of your tooth decay.

The need for periodontal cleaning and maintenance

Next to tooth decay, gum disease is another common problem resulting from inadequate hygiene practices. While some bacteria attack your teeth, others attack your gums, leading to gingivitis and the progression of gum disease. If you slack in your hygiene routine and gum disease develops, then you’ll need complex periodontal cleaning and maintenance to stop the disease from destroying your gums and jawbone structure.

The need for a custom tooth replacement

The dental conditions that can result from poor hygiene, especially gum disease, can dramatically increase your risks of experiencing tooth loss. If you do lose one or more teeth, then you’ll need a custom-designed replacement to restore your bite’s function and your smile’s appearance.

Improve Your Hygiene to Protect Your Smile Better

Good hygiene is the basis for keeping your smile healthy and beautiful for life. For more information on how to improve your daily hygiene routine schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smile in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.