Tooth loss is no fun for anyone but the best part is, it can be easily prevented. Your teeth are meant to last you for life and with the proper care then they can almost certainly achieve this aim. However, it is all too easy to neglect your teeth or to think their loss is somehow inevitable. If you would like to enjoy your natural smile for as long as possible, follow our tips below.
Do Not Miss Your Regular Checkups
This is absolutely essential as a regular checkup is the best possible way of avoiding tooth loss and keeping your teeth longer. By allowing us to check your teeth and gums, we can soon pick up any small problems before they become likely to threaten the health of your teeth.
See Your Hygienist Regularly
Hygiene appointments are also extremely important as even if you are meticulous about brushing and flossing, it is easy to miss out certain areas allowing plaque and calculus to build up. Calculus is simply hardened plaque bacteria and it produces toxins that can soon inflame and infect your gums leaving you at risk of developing gum disease which is the most common cause of tooth loss worldwide.
Active At-Home Maintenance
We recommend brushing teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night to remove bacteria and plaque build-up from any leftover food. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste will ensure teeth remain strong and healthy and are resistant to decay. While brushing is important, it does not reach everything. This is why we recommend flossing between each tooth once a day as well. Brushing alone only cleans two-thirds of the tooth and the remaining third is left untouched. Without flossing food and bacteria can remain on the tooth’s surface for days building up plaque and eventually leading to decay.
Get A Custom Mouthguard
Patients who participate in contact sports are encouraged to always wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards protect teeth from chips, cracks and tooth loss that can occur from falls, knocks, and collisions during sporting games. Weakened teeth are more likely to eventually lead to tooth loss than if they are undamaged.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (480) 448-0770.
