At Scott and Derry Dental Care of Milton, Ontario, we know how poor oral hygiene habits can impact one’s smile. Not only can it cause yellowing and discoloration of the teeth, but it can also increase the risk of developing certain diseases and dental conditions that can significantly–and permanently–impact one’s oral health. If you are interested in learning more about caring for your smile, Dr. Jameela Jifri and her associates can help!

What are some oral diseases and conditions caused by inadequate dental hygiene?

Our team will educate you on several issues that can impact the smile’s health. These include:

• Tooth decay. Tooth decay, called “cavities,” occurs when bacteria in the mouth form plaque, which attacks and breaks down tooth enamel. These cavities can worsen over time without proper oral hygiene habits, leading to more extensive restorative treatments. Cavities can also become larger and deeper and contribute to an infection inside of the tooth that might require root canal therapy to resolve.
• Gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by inadequate oral hygiene, allowing bacteria to accumulate and irritate the gums. The early stages of gingivitis can often be reversed with better oral hygiene, but if left untreated, it might lead to periodontal disease, which requires more extensive care.
• Periodontal (gum) disease. This serious condition is caused by plaque buildup between teeth and along the gum line, which leads to inflamed, swollen gums. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause the breakdown and destruction of the bones and connective tissue that support teeth. This can result in tooth loss or the need for extraction.
• Infection. Infection within a tooth can cause significant pain. To avoid permanent extraction, our team will do their best to save the tooth with procedures such as root canal therapy or “endodontic treatment.” This procedure removes the pulp from the inside of the tooth and disinfects the canals before sealing them with gutta-percha and a dental crown. This saves the natural tooth in place and can be highly successful for many patients.

How do I reduce my risk of developing these conditions?

Visiting the dentist regularly for teeth cleaning is the first step to learning about proper dental care. Routine evaluations allow our dentists to monitor the smile’s health and spot problems early enough for successful and affordable intervention. With good care and attention daily at home and appointments with the dentist regularly, many patients can maintain a healthy smile for life!

Schedule a visit with our team at Scott and Derry Dental Care!

Milton, ON, area patients interested in taking good care of their smiles and having questions about maintaining proper oral hygiene habits are encouraged to request an upcoming appointment with our team today! We are conveniently located at 6521 Derry Road, Unit #7, and are open to patients in and around the community who call (855) 438-4999 for an appointment with a dental practice “near me.”

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