What Can Happen to Your Teeth Without Proper Oral Care

At Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics, we encourage our South Florida patients to practice good oral hygiene. Not only does regular brushing and flossing keep teeth looking good, but it also keeps them healthy and strong too. Without proper oral care, you may face tooth and gum issues and lack confidence in your smile. Let’s take a look at a few common issues that can occur without dental care, and how you can prevent them.

Dental problem #1: Dental caries, also known as cavities

Caused by: Cavities can be caused by plaque buildup on your teeth, which contains bacteria that break down tooth enamel. Residue from sugary and starchy foods often gives bacteria something to feed on and can contribute to tooth decay.

Can be prevented by: Regular brushing and flossing with fluoride toothpaste. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, and that brushing for two minutes is the optimal amount of brush time to reduce plaque buildup on your teeth. The ADA recommends cleaning between your teeth – by flossing, with interdental brushes, or with a water irrigator – once a day.

Dental problem #2: Gingivitis, or gum inflammation

Caused by: Gingivitis can be caused by the bacteria in plaque buildup on your teeth. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, notes the ADA, and it can advance to a more serious condition called periodontitis.

Can be prevented by: Like cavities, gum inflammation due to plaque and bacteria can be prevented by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. The ADA also recommends visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, where your dentist can identify and treat gum issues if you do have them.

Dental problem #3: Malocclusion, or an improper bite, and crooked teeth

Caused by: There are several things that can lead to a misaligned bite, crowded teeth, or both. Genetics and modifiable factors can both play a part in the development of your bite and the positioning of your teeth.

Can be treated with: Proper orthodontic intervention, such as traditional braces, Invisalign aligners, or Insignia Advanced Smile Design braces from Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics. Braces or aligners gradually reposition your teeth so you will have a straight smile.

Customized Insignia Advanced Smile Design braces, from the offices of Dr. Maria Yazji, are tailor-made for the needs and unique dental anatomy of each patient. Insignia braces from Dr. Yazji allow patients in Miami and throughout South Florida to correct their crooked teeth in a shorter amount of time, and with fewer required office visits, than traditional braces.

Insignia Advanced Smile Design

At Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics, we help patients in South Florida get great smiles. If you have crooked teeth and want a straight smile, make an appointment for an Insignia consultation at our Miami, Brickell, or Weston office. Keep your teeth healthy with good dental care, and get a smile you can show off with Insignia Advanced Smile Design from Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics.