After spending so many years brushing and flossing your teeth every day and not developing a dental health concern, it’s easy to believe that your dental hygiene routine is as good as it can be. Because of this, many people are surprised when their dentists tell them that this isn’t exactly true, and that something like tooth decay or gum disease has developed. For many people, this occurs not because they completely neglect their dental hygiene, but because their dental hygiene routines aren’t as consistent as they need to be. Today, we examine a few signs that your dental hygiene routine could be better, and why you may need your dentist’s help to restore your good oral health.

Your morning breath doesn’t go away as easy

Morning breath is something that most people have to deal with even when their oral health is good. It occurs due to the excess buildup of oral bacteria on your teeth, gums, tongue, and oral tissues, which is accelerate when your saliva flow dries up in your sleep. When your breath remains bad after brushing your teeth in the morning, it could mean that you’re not thoroughly cleaning away the plaque buildup, and you should be more thorough with your toothbrush and floss. Or, it could indicate that a tooth has started to decay or gum disease has begun to develop.

One or more of your teeth feel sensitive

When your dental hygiene isn’t consistent or thorough enough, the oral bacteria that accumulate on your teeth in the form of plaque and tartar can begin to overwhelm the enamel that protects them. In some cases, oral bacteria can gather along the gum line and underneath the gum tissues, causing an infection that forces your gums to recede and expose your teeth roots. Such conditions can cause your teeth to grow increasingly more sensitive, which could be a warning sign to visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Your gums are starting to change

If inconsistent dental hygiene efforts lead to the buildup of bacteria on and beneath your gums, the infection that results in known as gingivitis. This is the first stage of gum disease, and the presence of the bacteria can lead to several symptoms resulting in the irritation of your gums. This can include gum recession that makes your teeth more sensitive, as well as redness, swelling, and bleeding in your gum tissues. If you notice any changes to the feel or appearance of your gums, then addressing gingivitis early could be the key to preserving your healthy smile.

Find out how to improve your dental hygiene

When your dental hygiene isn’t consistently good, you may start to notice signs of oral health trouble developing. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe and all neighboring communities.