In today’s hectic world, overlooking or postponing the little things is a common practice, and prioritizing is a vital part of adult life. Considering you do it at least twice a day (hopefully), brushing and flossing may seem like one of those little things that can wait until later to save you some time in the morning rush, or to get to bed faster—but it’s not. In the world of your dental health, timing is everything, and missing a beat can invite disaster before you even realize it. Learn more as your Lafayette family dentist, Dr. Michael Young, explains the importance of timing in maintaining the health of your smile.
Every Minute Counts
In most cases, brushing and flossing helps control the buildup of dental plaque, which consists of a mass of oral bacteria. Of the over 600 different kinds of germs that inhabit your mouth, a few notoriously pave the way for dental health issues like tooth decay and gum disease. When enough of them gather, they form the sticky biofilm from extracellular DNA to protect them and adhere to your teeth and gums. Though brushing and flossing help control this process, it happens continuously, and repetition is crucial to your hygiene routine’s effectiveness. If you miss a spot, or decide to let plaque stay for a bit while you take care of “more important” matters, it can calcify (harden) into tartar—an insoluble substance that is impervious to your toothbrush and floss. Once tartar develops, your chances of developing a dental disease increase drastically, and removing it requires professional tools and expertise at a regular dental cleaning.
When the Countdown Begins
Though they’re different issues, tooth decay and gum disease both begin from harmful bacterial processes. They’re also both progressive, and the longer you wait to address them, the more damage they can cause your smile. Unchecked tooth decay can eventually work its way to the center of your tooth, called the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are housed. The infection can kill the pulp, destroy your tooth, and spread through the roots to the surrounding gum tissue and jawbone. Meanwhile, when gum disease is allowed to run rampant, it devours your gum tissue and jawbone that support your teeth, leading to tooth loss and the destruction of your smile’s foundation.
Protect Your Oral Health with Lafayette Family Dentist
If you live in the 70508 area and would like to learn more about the importance of timing in your dental health, schedule an appointment with your Lafayette family dentist by calling Dr. Young at (337) 237-6453. Located in the 70508 area, we proudly serve patients from Lafayette and all surrounding communities.