Spring is just around the corner and if you have been promising yourself a new you (and nicer teeth), schedule an appointment with your dentist. That clean eating diet isn’t the only thing that you should be taking care of if you have been less than diligent with your oral hygiene.
Brushing your teeth twice and flossing them once a day is recommended by a dentist. But if you aren’t seeing your dentist twice a year, you could be asking for problems, especially if you have old fillings.
If your fillings are 5, 10, 15 or 20 years old make an appointment with your dentist who will take x-rays to determine if tooth decay is present under your restorations. Old amalgam or tooth colored resin fillings may be broken or cracked. Often you will not feel any pain or discomfort, if you do; it is often too late, as the decay has grown closer to the pulp and the nerve inside your tooth. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend a root canal.
Sometimes a dentist will repair a single tooth multiple times. If a tooth has been filled more than once it may be too large to fill again requiring a crown.
Cavities can develop anywhere on your tooth and if left to their own devices could become abscessed. Abscesses are dangerous and if not taken care of immediately can cause serious physical problems.
The only way to cleanse your body and that includes your teeth and gums is to schedule an appointment with your dentist who will thoroughly examine your mouth. If problems are present, the two of you will discuss your options.
Gum disease affects everyone, and if you have red and swollen gums or bleed after you brush and floss, it may be a sign that plaque and tartar have started to build up between the root of your tooth and your gum line.
Regular checkups can prevent tooth decay and gum disease, give your mouth a clean bill of health this spring and make an appointment today.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is a dentist based in the South Surrey/White Rock area. With over 10 years of experience in the dental industry and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington, Dr. Layton enjoys providing safe and easy dental solutions for every patient that walks through the doors of his practice - and reads his blog. You can follow him on Google+.
