It is an unfortunate reality that many individuals will fail to follow best practices for basic dental care. This can lead to instances where a patient may suffer from painful, unsightly, or otherwise complicated dental problems. To help you with avoiding these issues, you will want to make use of these few tips to avoid making damaging mistakes with your smile. 

1. Act Quickly to Have Cavities Treated

Cavities are extremely common dental problems, and while there are relatively simple treatments for minor cavities, patients can make the error of delaying seeking treatment for this type of decay. When cavities are allowed to worsen, they may become infected or cause the tooth to break. Both of these problems can greatly increase the difficulty and costs of treating the tooth. By seeking treatment for your cavity as soon as you notice it or suspect that you may have this type of tooth damage, you will be better able to limit these issues.

2. Know the Causes of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a dental problem that is often underestimated by patients. While this is a problem that will often start out with relatively minor symptoms, it can be possible for this disease to worsen and spread throughout the mouth. Eventually, individuals with severe gum disease may find that they can start to lose bone mass in their jaw or even have their teeth start to loosen and fall out. Due to the serious consequences that can follow gum disease, patients should take every practical precaution to avoid developing this issue. Luckily, keeping the teeth clean is one of the best and easiest ways of helping to reduce the risk of contracting this problem. In addition to brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings will be necessary as there can be some substances that you may be unable to remove with basic brushing and flossing. While it is usually advised to have your teeth cleaned twice a year, you may want to schedule an appointment as soon as you notice your gums starting to bleed rather than waiting for your next scheduled cleaning.

3. Appreciate the Benefits of Professionally Administered Whitening Treatments

Eventually, you may find that you want to whiten your teeth to improve the attractiveness of your smile. While home-based whitening kits are a popular option, they can be damaging or ineffective if they are not administered correctly. By having this treatment performed by a professional, you can be sure that it will be as effective as possible without harming the enamel of your teeth.

To get your regular cleaning, schedule an appointment with a local dentist, such as Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA.