Tooth loss can be devastating, not just for your confidence but for your health as well. Replacement options for missing teeth, such as dental implants or dentures , look and act more like natural teeth than ever before, but avoiding tooth loss in the first place is even better. There are many things you can to keep your teeth healthy for life. Follow these steps to protect yourself from losing your teeth.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is one of the easiest things you can do to protect your teeth and gums. Brush at least twice per day and floss at least once. Ask your dentist if you should be using a mouthwash or other rinse. Following these simple habits will drastically reduce the amount of plaque and bacteria in your mouth, which in turn will reduce your chances of developing tooth decay or gum disease. Since these two conditions are among the most common causes of tooth loss, preventing them means you’re less likely to have missing teeth.
Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Your lifestyle has a greater impact on your oral health than you may realize. To save your teeth, start by examining your diet. Cut out sugary beverages, sticky candies, and acidic sports drinks and sodas. Reach for water more often when you need something to drink, and serve up low-fat dairy and lean protein. If you smoke, not only are you staining your teeth, but you are also doing serious damage to your teeth and gums. Your dentist can recommend strategies to help you quit.
See Your Dentist
Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. During these visits, your dentist will perform a comprehensive exam that can help him or her find oral health problems in their early stages, when they are easier to treat. By getting a diagnosis early, you can get treatment before tooth loss occurs.
Whether you have missing teeth already or want to keep your smile intact, University Associates in Dentistry is here to provide dental implants, dentures, and general dentistry in Chicago . To make an appointment with one of our providers, please call (312) 704-5511.