Dental care plays an important role in the upkeep of your smile. Routine dental check-ups and cleanings are key to preserving your long-term oral health. If you live in or near Eugene, Oregon, you can turn to Dr. Mercedes Del Valle from Integrated Family Dentistry for the dental services you need to maintain your best smile!   

Here are six oral health issues you can avoid through routine dental care:

1. Cavities

Plaque and bacterial buildup on your teeth are responsible for causing cavities. Daily brushing and flossing at home helps keep plaque in check. However, complete plaque removal is accomplished through professional dental cleanings. Using specialized dental tools, your dentist will thoroughly clean and polish your teeth, eliminating all plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that can lead to cavities. Minor decay can be spotted early during a dental check-up and treated quickly with a filling to protect your tooth from serious harm.  

2. Gum Disease

Plaque that gathers under the gum line can lead to bacterial infection called periodontal (gum) disease. Swollen, tender gums that bleed when you brush are common symptoms of this condition. Over time, your gums will recede and detach from your teeth, leading to early tooth loss. Good home oral care and routine dental cleanings are your best protection against gum disease.   

3. Chronic Bad Breath

Good oral hygiene should keep your breath fresh and clean. If mouth odors persist even after brushing, it could be due to decay or bacteria trapped under the gumline of your teeth. A dental check-up can reveal the cause of persistent bad breath so you can get appropriate treatment.

4. Enamel Erosion

The enamel is the outer layer of your tooth that protects the dentin (inner layer) and pulp, the inner chamber that houses your tooth’s nerves. Age, wear and tear, and acidic foods can gradually erode your tooth enamel, putting your teeth at risk of cavities. Fluoride treatments help strengthen the enamel of your teeth to counter the effects of erosion. Severely worn teeth can be rebuilt with dental bonding or a dental crown to protect them from further damage.

5. Tooth Sensitivity

If enamel erosion exposes the dentin of your tooth, it can lead to tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. Sensitivity can also occur when gums recede and expose the roots of your teeth. Your Eugene, OR, dentist can pinpoint the cause of the sensitivity during a routine dental visit and recommend treatment to relieve it.

6. Oral Cancer

Oral cancer screenings are often included in routine dental check-ups to detect early signs of this deadly disease. In its early stages, oral cancer can be treated and your health restored. It’s another good reason to see your dentist regularly for routine check-ups and cleanings.

Routine Dental Care Near Me

For the best that routine dental care has to offer in Eugene, OR, contact Dr. Mercedes Del Valle from Integrated Family Dentistry at (541) 204-3939. 

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