Most people understand the basics of good oral hygiene; brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing the mouth with water after every meal. Unfortunately, many fail to understand the consequences that can occur if these habits are neglected. Poor oral health will do more than just lead to the occasional cavity. At its worst, poor oral health can lead to tooth loss. In addition to practicing good oral habits at home, professional dental care is vital to avoiding this consequence. At Eagle Gate Dental our team of experienced dentists offer general dentistry services to preserve the health of the teeth and gums so that our patients can maintain a strong and beautiful smile. To ensure that poor oral health and tooth loss are not a problem for our Salt Lake City, UT patients, we encourage them to schedule routine exams and cleanings at least once every six months.

The Impact of Poor Oral Health

Poor oral health is a serious concern. Although there are a number of restorative dental treatments to address oral health problems and dental complications, it is always best to avoid the need for these services altogether. Furthermore, if oral health is neglected for a long period of time, it may be too late to restore the strength, structure, and health of the teeth. In these cases, poor oral health can lead to tooth loss, or the need for extraction. Below are some of the oral health problems that most commonly lead to tooth loss:

• Decay: Tooth decay is a condition that leads to the destruction of healthy tooth enamel. This complication occurs when bacteria multiply as they feed on plaque and tartar. When decay is caught early on, it is easy to treat. However, if decay is allowed to progress, the tooth can be compromised to the point of tooth loss.
• Root canal infection: A root canal infection describes inflammation of the tooth’s inner pulp. As with decay, this infection is caused by a buildup of bacteria. Bacteria are able to work their way into the center of the tooth when the outer enamel and dentin has been damaged (either due to decay, erosion, or injury). A root canal infection can typically be treated with root canal therapy, but severe cases can lead to tooth loss.
• Gum disease: The health of the gums is also important to maintaining the health of the teeth. Gum disease is a condition in which the gum tissue becomes red, inflamed, and tender due to infection. As gum disease progresses, the gum tissue will recede, leaving the teeth without a strong foundation. As a result, many patients with advanced stages of gum disease suffer from tooth loss.

Preserving Good Oral Health

To avoid tooth loss as a result of poor oral health, patients should maintain good oral hygiene habits that will preserve the health of the teeth and gums. Below are some important tips for preserving good oral health:

• Brush at least twice daily and floss between the teeth each night
• Drink plenty of water
• Schedule routine dental exams and cleanings at least twice a year
• Report any unusual symptoms to the dentist as soon as possible
• Schedule necessary restorative dentistry treatment as recommended

Contact Us

Professional dental care plays a vital role in preserving the health of the teeth and gums and preventing tooth loss. If you are looking for high quality dental care, you can count on the experienced dental team at Eagle Gate Dental. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about our comprehensive range of dental services.