The global pandemic has led many individuals to abandon their usual routines and habits, including oral hygiene. With restrictions and regulations in place, a lot of dental patients found it easier to skip their regular dental appointments, which can harm oral health. If you notice your oral hygiene habits have relaxed recently, it is not too late to get back into good practices. Dr. Victor Gittleman, a dentist in Morristown, NJ, offers advice to help you regain control of your oral health.
Maintain good oral hygiene habits
Throughout your day, bacteria in your mouth develop into a film of plaque over your teeth. If ignored, this can harden to tartar and lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Brushing your teeth removes plaque to keep your enamel strong and protect your teeth and gums from damage. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth. Ideally, flossing should be done at night to get rid of plaque that forms during your day. Rinsing with mouth wash can also eliminate bacteria from hard-to-reach places in your mouth. Skipping teeth brushing for even one day can allow plaque to weaken tooth enamel, so it is crucial to continue good oral hygiene habits on a regular basis.
Schedule a dentist appointment now
If you have relaxed your oral hygiene routine, damage may have already occurred to your teeth, even if you do not notice symptoms. Your dentist performs a thorough examination of your teeth during a regular appointment and can spot cavities or gum disease that may have progressed during skipped brushing sessions. Your dentist also cleans plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums during these appointments, especially in spots that may be missed with traditional brushing. You should visit your dentist once every six months to ensure optimal results.
Follow through on necessary dental work
During your dental exam, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums for signs of damage. Tooth decay may present as a cavity, which is treated with a filling. You will need to follow up with your dentist for this treatment to ensure your tooth does not decay further. Ignoring a cavity can lead to painful symptoms that may require extensive dental work. If your dentist notices gum disease in your teeth and recommends periodontal therapy, this should also be followed through promptly. Gum disease can cause gum recession which can eventually lead to tooth loss. You should follow the advice of your dental professional to take charge of your oral health.
Visit a dentist in Morristown, NJ
Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry offers both general and emergency dentist appointments for patients in Morristown, NJ. Dr. Gittleman also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 973.287.3337.