Between 2008 and 2011, the number of emergency room visits for non-traumatic dental pain by ambulance more than quintupled. Overall, dental pain attributes to nearly 2.5% of ambulance trips to the hospital, demonstrating how common severe dental pain is. Roughly 1.65 million dental-related hospital visits in the past could have been treated at a dental clinic, as the vast majority of symptoms were related to untreated dental decay. General dentistry from Splendid Dental Woodlands can provide you with the best way to prevent painful dental conditions and protect your dental health.
Maintaining Proper Dental Health
Untreated tooth decay is not only a common complaint in emergency rooms across the country but also the leading preventable cause of dental disease. Tooth decay occurs when food particles are left in your mouth, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria feed off of sugar, which can cause plaque to develop on your teeth.
Practicing proper dental hygiene is an important way to prevent tooth decay. Some of the best ways to avoid tooth decay include:
- Brushing at least twice a day
- Flossing at least once daily
- Limiting your sugar consumption
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Visiting your dentist at least once a year
A general dentist provides several important services to help you avoid tooth decay. One of the reasons annual dental exams and visits are a key part of good oral health is because a Splendid Dental Woodlands general dentist performs professional cleanings. Professional cleanings remove plaque and other buildups in your mouth and help purge harmful bacteria.
Lifestyle choices, such as consuming large amounts of coffee, tea, and sugar, can increase your chances of developing tooth decay, discoloration, and staining. Tobacco products also are detrimental to your oral health, as they can wear down the protective enamel on your teeth and cause significant decay and discoloration. Chewing tobacco can also lead to oral cancer, as chewing tobacco directly exposes carcinogens to your teeth and gum line.
General Dentistry at Splendid Dental Woodlands
General dentistry provides you with important services that can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and infections. General dentistry at Splendid Dental Woodlands can provide:
- Fluoride treatment options
- X-rays to check for signs of tooth decay and gum disease
- Plaque and tartar removal
- Dental cavity treatment and fillings
When you show signs of tooth decay, general dentistry removes the decay and fills your tooth to protect it from further damage. Leaving tooth decay untreated drastically increases your chances of experiencing a tooth infection, as cavities can create a path for bacteria to infect your tooth pulp.
Another benefit of general dentistry is regular X-rays and professional cleanings. X-rays are the best way to confirm whether or not you have tooth decay or other dental issues. Professional cleanings from Splendid Dental Woodlands general dentistry can remove harmful plaque before it hardens into tartar. General dentistry can also identify early signs of gum disease before it becomes severe.
Learn More at Splendid Dental Woodlands Today
Seeing a dentist regularly is the best way to prevent painful and serious dental problems. Waiting until you’re in pain to see a dentist is a major mistake. Most causes of dental pain are preventable and, when treated early, are reversible.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the services we offer, reach out to Splendid Dental Woodlands online or call us today at 713-587-9996.