Your teeth are constantly under the scrutiny of a barrage of oral threats. Indeed, factors can range from oral cancer to gum infection, to dental decay and just about anything else in-between. What’s more? Activities such as eating, sleeping, and even too much sun exposure can cause complications to arise, especially if you are not being conscious or aware. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS Prosthodontist explains why you must seek dental care sooner rather than later, and how time is not on your side when it comes to oral health.
Enduring Significant Threats
Whether you are aware of it or not, nearly every factor out there can influence your smile in a negative way. Indeed, sugars are catalysts for decay, and falling short in your preventive dental routine may just be enough to open the door to an infection. While your dentist advocates for a comprehensive routine – brushing twice a day, flossing after meals, paying attention to the negative effects of certain foods and beverages, and attending routine checkups – sometimes life has other plans and infection sets in.
Dental decay is among the most common oral health threats out there, and studies have shown that millions of people are affected by the phenomenon in some shape or form every year. Indeed, decay can be a tricky thing to handle, as most individuals are not even aware they are experiencing it without the help of a trained dentist to identify the signs. Still, attending your checkups is imperative to a healthy smile, as it can help identify minor issues early on before they develop into major ones. To learn more about this process, reach out to our team today.
It Will Only Get Worse
Unlike a headache or an upset stomach, a toothache will not get better with time. As a matter of fact, the opposite will occur. Indeed, decay begins as a small cavity or soft spot on a tooth, but without proper care, it will continue to grow and spread until your entire tooth has been compromised. Take, for example, a cavity that has developed. As time goes by, it will spread into the inner workings of your tooth and target your sensitive nerves. At this stage, you will experience sharp pains, difficulty eating, and more.
Understanding Your Options
Even when a dental infection compromises an entire tooth, the issue itself does not go away. In fact, your remaining teeth will become vulnerable to the same fate, and sooner or later, you will have to face the possibility of losing all of your teeth. Because of this, your dentist recommends seeking treatment as soon as possible.
Learn More Today
Contact Dr. Stuart Dexter, Prosthodontist in Prairie Village, KS by calling 913-362-8200 to learn more about the progression of decay, and schedule your next appointment with our team today.