Child dental care should begin at teething, which will set up your kids' expectations for dentistry for the rest of their lives. According to Grin!, 40% of children aged three or younger have never been to the dentist. Tooth problems should be seen earlier rather than later for both children and adults. Kids especially need encouragement to form healthy oral care habits. That way, they can receive preventative care rather than extensive procedures, including affordable implants, dentures, or root canals. Read on to learn more about what can happen to neglected teeth.

Enamel Doesn't Form Right

Specific to children's dental development, a lack of early care can result in discolored or pitted teeth. This condition is known to emerge more often in children who neglect proper oral care for too long after their baby teeth grow in. It's important to note that this can be prevented, and children can learn positive habits by watching their parents, siblings, or dentists demonstrate ideal oral care techniques.

Plaque and Tartar Form

Tartar is a type of hardened plaque deposit that particularly affects people's mouths at the gum line, where tooth brushing doesn't always reach. People with poor flossing habits are more susceptible to tartar buildup than those who floss regularly. Going to the dentist twice per year for a cleaning can remove tartar and return your mouth to its clean appearance. Over time, this can decrease your risk of needing fillings and tooth replacements, regardless of how affordable implants may be.

Cavities Can Form

Caries, commonly known as cavities, are the most obvious sign of dental disease. These are painful holes in the tooth that, when neglected, can reach the nerve. Once the infection reaches this point, the entire body is in danger. If the infection gets severe enough, extracting an infected tooth can be the best way to protect the rest of the body. In this case, there are interventions like crowns or affordable implants that can be used to restore a desirable appearance in the mouth.

Gum Disease Appears

Gum disease is another way that your mouth responds to poor cleaning. Tartar buildups can irritate the gums, causing them to recede. This condition is called gingivitis. If the gums continue to be irritated, they can lose their grip on your teeth, causing them to become loose and even fall out as they become more infected and irritated.

A routine cleaning is an affordable way to prevent long-term dental issues. Contact Dental Associates of NEPA Dr. David Shemo DMD today for your next cleaning. We look forward to helping you maintain your smile for years to come.