As we get older, our teeth age with us. Of course, no one wants to lose their bright, attractive smile as they age. And because dental health correlates with overall health, it is doubly important to make every effort to maintain healthy teeth.
Unfortunately, the older we get, the more likely tooth loss becomes. While there is a lot that modern dentistry can do to treat tooth loss, nothing is quite as good as your natural teeth. Luckily, there is a lot that you can do to keep your teeth strong and beautiful for years to come. Read on to find out how you can help your teeth last a lifetime.
Prevent Gum Disease
The number one cause of tooth loss is periodontal disease or gum disease. In its early stage, which you might know as gingivitis, gum disease is reversible with diligent oral hygiene habits. Likewise, it is likely you can prevent gingivitis by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, along with regular professional cleanings.
However, if gingivitis is allowed to progress to more serious gum disease, it can result in tooth loss. Along with great at-home hygiene habits, make sure to schedule regular dental appointments to catch gingivitis in its early stages.
Protect Your Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel, or the strong outer covering of your teeth, is a precious resource. Once it becomes compromised, your body does not regenerate it. Enamel loss can lead to cavities, infection, decay, and eventually, tooth loss. The good news is there is a lot you can do to protect and preserve your enamel.
A Healthy Diet
Sugary and acidic foods are your enamel’s worst enemy. Acidic foods can erode tooth enamel directly. Sugar is a food source for the bacteria that live in your mouth. As the bacteria feed on sugar, it releases corrosive byproducts that attack your tooth enamel. Eating a diet with less sugar and acidic foods, and more raw veggies, dairy, and water is an effective way to keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Good Brushing Habits
Like preventing gum disease, it is crucial to practice good brushing and flossing habits. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of a medium or hard toothbrush will prevent erosive damage to the tooth enamel. Brushing regularly will help remove bacteria and the debris they feed on to prevent decay.
Fluoride is an important mineral that has been proven to strengthen tooth enamel. You may get fluoride in your tap water, but you should still brush with fluoride toothpaste every day. In addition, your dentist will likely give you a concentrated fluoride treatment at your twice-annual checkup and cleaning visit to combat the wearing away of tooth enamel.
Wearing a Night Guard
If you have a tendency to grind your teeth, a condition called bruxism, it is crucial to use a night guard to avoid wearing away enamel. Untreated, this condition can let bacteria into the softer tissue of the teeth and can lead to dental disease and eventually tooth loss. Over-the-counter options might not be the best quality or fit, so it is a good idea to talk to your dentist.
Get Regular Exams
Even if you don’t notice signs of tooth decay or gum disease, you should schedule an exam and cleaning twice a year. Your dentist can spot the early signs of trouble so that you can treat it before it endangers the life of your teeth. There are an almost endless number of effective treatments that can extend the life of your teeth, and the earlier you catch problems, the better chance you have at preventing tooth loss.
If you want to do all you can to make sure your teeth last as long as possible, schedule an appointment at Hinsdale Dentistry to evaluate the health of your teeth and talk to our experts today.