Your dental health is important. Many people may not think so that’s why so many people skip going to the dentist, but it is. Your dental health is linked to your overall health, so if you take good care of your teeth, there is a good chance the rest of your body will be in better health too. Take your North Richland Hills dentist, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler’s, quiz to find out what your dental health is like.

Questions:

1. How often do you brush your teeth?
2. How often do you floss?
3. Do you smoke?
4. Are your gums swollen, red, or do they bleed?
5. How often do you visit your dentist?

Answers:

1. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) you should brush your teeth for two minutes a day, twice a day.
2. You should floss daily to remove built up bacterial plaque from in between your teeth and between your teeth and gums.
3. People who use tobacco products are at higher risk for dental problems. Apparently the use of tobacco products interferes with the normal cell function of gingival (gum) tissue, making smokers more vulnerable to periodontal disease and other dental infections.
4. Red, swollen, bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal (gum) disease. There are two stages of gum disease. The earliest stage is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease usually caused by poor dental hygiene. If your teeth are not brushed regularly plaque builds up and hardens into tartar causing inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis. Periodontitis is the severest stage of gum disease. When gingivitis is left untreated the bacterial inflammation of the gums travels to the jaw bone and connecting tissues. Periodontitis can result in tooth loss.
5. In order to prevent dental problems from developing, you should visit your dentist twice a year for a complete exam and professional cleaning.

About your North Richland Hills Dentist

Whether you want to restore the beauty and function of missing or compromised teeth or you’re simply looking for a dentist’s office to call home, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team are here for you. We focus on exceptional dentistry for adults, with a keen focus on highly esthetic restorations and the treatment of painful TMJ disorder. To schedule your next appointment, call our North Richland Hills dentist office at 817-918-3038. North Hills Dental proudly serves patients from across the Metroplex, including Fort Worth, Dallas, Denton, the Midcities, and Southlake.