HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF TOOTH LOSS

Tooth loss is not an inevitable part of growing older. By taking good care of your teeth throughout your lifetime, you can continue to enjoy a full, healthy smile well into your golden years. If it’s been longer than six months since your last visit to a dental clinic in Belmont, it’s time to make an appointment. Your dentist can help you learn how to stay on top of your oral health.

Avoid Tobacco

Smoking and chewing tobacco are major causes of tooth loss. Additionally, smoking reduces the chances that you can successfully receive dental implants in the event that you do lose one or more teeth. Smokers are more likely to require extensive oral surgery, such as bone augmentation procedures before dental implants can be placed. If you smoke, it’s time to talk to your doctor about quitting. There is no safe level of tobacco use.

Schedule Regular Appointments

Schedule a dental exam and professional cleaning at least every six months. If you have previously had dental problems like frequent cavities, your dentist might recommend more frequent check-ups to reduce your risk of tooth loss. It’s a common misconception that if a person brushes his or her teeth thoroughly every day, it isn’t necessary to see a dentist. But in fact, only a dental hygienist’s tools are capable of scraping off the calculus from teeth. If this hardened tartar is left on the teeth, it can contribute to periodontal disease, which causes tooth loss.

Use Fluoridated Products

Before purchasing oral health products like toothpaste and mouthwash, check the labels. Choose products that list fluoride as an ingredient and have received the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Fluoride is essential for preserving the strong enamel of your teeth and reducing your risk of tooth decay.

Floss Every Day

Brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice daily isn’t sufficient to maintain your oral health. You also need to floss at least once every day. Floss removes plaque and food debris from between the teeth and just underneath the gum line; places where your toothbrush can’t reach. Some people have trouble gripping floss properly. Consider using special tools like a water flosser or a proxabrush.