Emergency Dentist Worcester: Preventing Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

12/18/2020

Emergency Dentist Worcester

Emergency Dentist Worcester|You’ve heard it all before – “brush your teeth,” “floss daily,” and “rinse using mouthwash.” It is repeated often because it bears repeating. These oral health habits help to prevent harmful oral diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. They are an investment in the health of your teeth and the beauty of your smile. By keeping up with healthy oral health habits at home, you can avoid the need to visit an emergency dentist Worcester residents sometimes require.

Preventing Gum Disease

Medically referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is a persistent infection that is damaging to the gums, and can sometimes cause bone loss and tooth loss. Gum disease develops due to plaque and bacteria found in the mouth. Your immune system responds to the presence of plaque by fighting the bacteria, causing an inflammatory response. Symptoms of gum disease often result in patients visiting their emergency dentist Worcester. Here are a few early symptoms of gum disease:

  • Gums that are red, tender and swollen
  • Receding gums
  • Teeth that are loose or shift
  • Bleeding gums following brushing or flossing
  • Bad breath or taste in the mouth

The best way to help prevent gum disease is by brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing them every day. Brushing will remove food debris and particles from your teeth that would otherwise feed oral bacteria that can cause gum disease. Flossing ensures that you reach any food debris that may have lodged between your teeth. It also helps to regularly rinse your mouth with a good mouthwash. If you do not regularly brush and floss your teeth at home, you will eventually find yourself visiting an emergency dentist worcester for gum disease treatment. You may even need to visit the emergency dentist Worcester if you have a serious infection like a tooth abscess. Left untreated, an abscess can result in the loss of one or more of your teeth.

Tooth Decay Prevention

Good oral hygiene can do more than just prevent gum disease; it can help you to reduce the risk of developing tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when your tooth enamel is damaged due to the presence of plaque – a sticky material that adheres to your teeth. One thing that plaque loves is sugar. It reacts with sugary substances by creating acids that break down your tooth enamel, potentially causing cavities. Cavities are an extremely common dental problem found among all age groups. No one is immune to tooth decay. Even older adults may develop tooth decay when dental fillings eventually weaken and allow bacteria to develop in the resulting cracks and crevices. Ultimately, this could result in visiting your emergency dentist Worcester.

Tooth Decay Symptoms

  • Tooth pain
  • Pits or holes in teeth
  • Surface staining
  • Tooth sensitivity

Tooth decay and gum disease are not any fun at all, which is why you need to be sure that you are taking care of your oral health routine at home. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once daily. Make appointments with your dentist at least twice annually to have a dental exam and cleaning performed.

Learn More

Contact our emergency dentist Worcester today! Our office accepts new patients. Call us or request an appointment online.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.