We all want to protect our smiles from damage and infection, but many patients aren’t sure where to start. That’s why our Glendale dentists have put together this quick overview of 3 big threats to oral health. We hope that this information will help you take control of your dental health, so that you can achieve a smile you’re proud to show off!
Bacteria
Dental cavities and periodontal disease occur when harmful oral bacteria are able to infiltrate dental enamel and oral tissues, respectively. While it is impossible to completely eliminate oral bacteria, it is possible to reduce bacterial levels through oral hygiene and dietary modifications.
Acid
The pH of your mouth affects how strong and resilient your dental enamel is. Acidic substances soften enamel, and thus leave it susceptible to infection and damage. The good news is that your saliva helps to remineralize and fortify your enamel. However, you want to make sure that you don’t brush your teeth until your enamel has remineralized—that takes about 20 to 30 minutes post-acid exposure to happen.
Accidents
It’s also important to take steps not to proactively protect your smile from accidents and trauma. If, for example, you participate in contact or extreme sports, wearing a protective mouthguard can help you preserve a healthy smile. You also want to minimize harmful habits, like chomping on ice or hard candies, as this can result in cracked or chipped enamel.
No matter what kind of state your smile is in today, our Glendale dentists are here to help you uncover your dream smile. As always, please reach out to our team to learn more or to schedule a personal consultation.