Your oral hygiene regimen has not changed, so why does it seem like you have more problems with dental decay now than you used to? Several factors can affect a person’s relative cavity risk. Over time, different issues like friction from biting and chewing, your diet choices, and even your approach to brushing can cause enamel erosion that makes you more vulnerable to decay. Smart habits and regular preventive appointments can help you avoid problems over time. Make sure you take your oral health seriously now, as doing so can make you less vulnerable to problems later. One way you can do this is to schedule regular dental exams. Our Mansfield, TX dentist’s office can keep you updated about changes to your smile, provide cleanings that lower your risk for cavities and gum disease, and answer questions you have about aging – and other factors – that will affect your risk for dental problems.

Is Your Oral Care Regimen Still Effective?

If you begin to struggle with cavities and gum disease, it can be natural to question if your oral hygiene regimen is still effective. There are different reasons why someone might become more susceptible to dental decay. Through the years, friction from brushing, biting and chewing, and teeth grinding habits can weaken enamel and make cavities more likely to form. Some degree of enamel erosion is unavoidable as you age, but there are different steps you can take to limit its impact. You can talk with your dentist about positive daily changes, as well as dietary adjustments that can better protect your smile.

Diet Changes Can Influence Your Cavity Risks

A change in your diet can change your relative cavity risk. If you choose more foods and drinks that are higher in sugar, you provide more food for bacteria that cause cavities to form. You should know that acidic products are also an issue. Over time, they can weaken teeth, which can make it harder for your enamel to resist damage done by oral bacteria.

The Long-Term Importance Of Scheduled Dental Exams

Even if you feel your smile is still in great condition, you should make time to see your dentist for preventive care. These appointments provide valuable early feedback about your oral hygiene routine, and they give you early notice when problems need to be addressed through restorative dental work. Over time, they reduce your risk for cavities, they can help you avoid problems with gum disease, and they can give you important feedback that helps you maintain the right oral hygiene routine at home.

Your Mansfield, TX Dentist’s Office Can Help You Preserve Your Oral Health

Through the right habits at home, and through regular trips to see your dentist, you can keep your smile in good health through the years. To find out more about our practice, and how we can help you sustain better oral health, contact Mansfield Dental Associates at 817-473-6227!