During the month of October, you plan your family’s costumes, stock up on treats, and get ready for the fun festivities to come. Right now, your children’s thoughts (and maybe even your own thoughts) are focused on candy and enjoying every minute of Halloween. But did you know that October is also National Dental Hygiene Month? Giving your teeth the basic care they need, including a teeth cleaning in Williamsburg, can help you keep your smile strong. In this post, you’ll learn more about the benefits of dental hygiene, which can pave the way toward lifelong oral health.
Take Away Bacteria
You may have heard that candy causes cavities. Well, this isn’t exactly true. Candy is indirectly bad for your teeth, because the sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth. When food particles and bacteria mix, it creates plaque, a white, sticky substance. If allowed to stay, plaque calcifies into tartar. Then, these bacteria produce acids that erode your tooth enamel, eventually causing tooth decay.
Getting your teeth professionally cleaned every six months allows your dentist in Williamsburg to remove any spots in your smile that you may have missed in your daily oral care. Plaque and tartar can especially build up between teeth and near the gum line where flossing and brushing is more difficult. With professional tools and training, your dental team is able to reduce the harmful bacteria in your mouth, thus keeping your smile from damage.
Treat Gingivitis
One of the most common and yet most potentially harmful oral issues you can experience is gum disease. In fact, nearly half of American adults have an advanced form of this condition. Without treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and an increased risk of heart disease and other serious medical problems. When you attend your routine dental appointments every six months, your dentist is more likely to catch the problem early during the first stage of development, which is called gingivitis. At this stage, the gums are tender and red, but a simple teeth cleaning is usually enough to treat and reverse the damage, giving you a clean, healthy smile again.
Remove Stains
Your tooth enamel is the strongest material that you have in your body. However, it is also porous, meaning that it can absorb stains. Some foods and drinks are particularly notorious for making teeth appear yellow or dull, including coffee, wine, chocolate, tomato sauce, and more. Although you should brush your teeth every day, and you can use whitening toothpastes, a professional teeth cleaning can provide a deeper level of clean than you can achieve on your own.
While you can certainly enjoy your fair share of sugary treats this Halloween, remember to take proper care of your teeth. In addition to your daily at-home brushing and flossing, you need to make sure that you stay current with your dental visits. That way, you can keep your smile healthy and strong for years to come.
About the Practice
When it comes to top-tier care for their smiles, Lincoln families can turn to Williamsburg Dental, which has six locations in the area. In addition, we have eight experienced and talented dentists on staff, allowing more patients to take advantage of our outstanding services, including preventive care. To schedule a checkup and cleaning appointment with Williamsburg Dental, you can call (402) 420-2222 or click here.