If you are not doing a good job of cleaning your teeth each day, it seems reasonable to assume that your smile will become more vulnerable to tartar buildup, cavities, and gum disease. While this is something people can quickly agree on, some may have disagreements over what counts as a “good job” when it comes to oral hygiene. Unfortunately, many people are confident enough in their oral health care routine despite not flossing. While brushing your teeth thoroughly can provide you with important protection, flossing offers protection for those spaces that a brush can have a hard time reaching. At our Southlake, TX dentist’s office, we can provide you with a thorough teeth cleaning during your routine exam, but we can also identify when you might need to do a better job cleaning those spaces between your teeth!

Tartar Can Gather In Spaces Between Your Teeth

While the spaces between teeth are too tight to easily clean with a brush, there is plenty of room for bacteria and food debris. As a result, you can experience an accumulation of tartar in these areas. Once tartar forms, flossing will not be enough to remove the deposits. It can take a professional teeth cleaning to rid these areas of tartar. Until those deposits are removed, your risk for gum disease and tooth decay can be elevated.

Your Risk For Gum Disease Can Increase

If you develop gum disease, you may notice that your gums bleed when you clean your teeth, or you can identify areas where the tissues appear swollen or red. The initial stage of gum disease, gingivitis, can be addressed through diligent care and reversed. However, if the problem is not managed in time, your condition can worsen. Here is just one example of why you want to avoid complications with gum disease – tooth loss in adults is most often caused by complications from a periodontal infection!

Portions Of Your Enamel Can Be More Vulnerable To Cavities

How eager are you to receive a dental filling or dental crown the next time you see your dentist? If you want to avoid restorative dental work, make sure you floss! By protecting the portions of your enamel where your teeth meet, you do a more thorough job defending your smile against potential decay.

Our Southlake, TX Dentist’s Office Can Help You Keep Your Smile Protected

Your Southlake, TX dentist’s office is prepared to help patients of all ages defend themselves against problems like tooth decay and gum disease. While Dr. Wright, Dr. Heron, and our staff are prepared to help you keep your smile in good condition at every appointment, remember that you need to practice smart preventive care to avoid problems between visits!

Call our to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.