Humans can get away with neglecting their teeth for a long while before problems will develop and start causing discomfort. The first dental problem that commonly occurs is a small cavity, which can make teeth sensitive to cold and hot food, drinks, and air. Gingivitis can also develop and cause bleeding gums and several other problems that can eventually lead to periodontitis, which is the most serious form of gum disease. You can actually prevent dental problems from developing by taking the proper measures to keep your teeth healthy and clean. If you are interested in learning about preventative dentistry, continue reading this article for some helpful information.

Proper Cleaning Is Necessary

The most important aspect of preventative dentistry is to make sure your teeth are properly cleaned. The reason is that plaque is a common factor in causing dental problems, so it must be removed in a thorough manner. Removing plaque several times per day is ideal, but brushing once per day is better than rarely doing it. It is also wise to get your teeth cleaned by a dentist, such as via techniques called scaling and root planing. Simply getting your teeth professionally brushed every now and then is helpful as well.

Replacing Missing Teeth Is Important

You might not mind if a tooth or two is missing from your mouth, especially if they are the molars that are in the back area and hidden. However, it is actually in your best interest to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Missing teeth make it easier for your other teeth to move out of place and create gaps, and sometimes the gaps become very large. You should consider getting dental implants if you have missing teeth and don't want to end up with gaps that might cause you embarrassment. Bridges are another great way to fill in the spaces where you are missing teeth, and they are usually more affordable than dental implants.

An Occasional Exam Is Helpful

Even if you have the most perfect teeth in the world, you should never avoid setting appointments for dental exams to be performed. Sometimes underlying dental conditions can develop that are not able to be detected without special machines being used, such as via an X-ray. Going to a clinic for an examination every now and then is the best way to detect hidden problems and treat them before they get out of control.

For more information, reach out to a clinic such as Pacific Ave Dental/Allan L. Hablutzel, DDS.