By putting effort into keeping your teeth clean and healthy, you can have an easier time preventing the onset of different dental problems, like tooth decay. You should think of your dentist as your partner in the fight to protect your teeth. The professional care you receive during a routine dental checkup will keep you apprised of any problems, and leave you with expertly cleaned teeth. Your day-to-day actions also influence the state of your oral health. Your diet can affect how much risk your teeth face during the day, and routine habits like brushing and flossing help you keep them clean.
The expert teeth cleaning you receive during a checkup will eliminate even the most stubborn debris left on your teeth, like tartar. Examinations of your oral health can help by identifying small problems, and arranging the appropriate restorative dental treatment, so that you do not develop serious tooth decay. This can mean having a cavity restored before it requires a root canal treatment.
Brushing and flossing your teeth is how you can rid your teeth of food particles and bacteria. In between cleanings, those bacteria consume sugar they find on your teeth, and in the course of digesting sugars, they can produce harmful acids. By restricting the amount of sugar you eat and drink, you reduce the food supply for those bacteria.
Your dentist may note advanced wear on your teeth, a symptom of bruxism. Bruxism causes you to grind your teeth, especially while you sleep. If this is occurring, your dentist can arrange to provide you with a special mouth guard, to stop this habit from doing further damage.