Many people assume that when they hit their golden years, dentures aren't too far in the future. With the advances in technology that we have today and the increased education of dental care, this is no longer an expectation for that phase of life. For anyone looking for ways to help avoid dentures and keep as many natural teeth as possible, here are five proactive steps to take.
1. Attend the dentist regularly.
It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months because it is the average time needed to prevent too much build-up on the teeth. One of the most important parts of professional cleaning is when the hygienist scrapes the plaque and tartar off your teeth. Plaque is a sticky yellow substance that builds up between teeth and along the gums. It traps bacteria against the surface of the tooth, leading to cavities. Once it hardens, it turns to a hard, brown crust called tartar. These both are main contributors to gum disease, which often leads to tooth loss and other health problems.
The other important step in professional cleaning is the exam. The dentist will come in and do a visual exam, but doing x-rays also gives a good look under the surface and between teeth. Getting an exam twice a year means cavities and decay don't have much time to do serious damage to your teeth. Any problems are spotted and can be fixed before they become too serious.
2. Do proper dental hygiene at home.
Brushing and flossing your teeth every day keeps your teeth clean between dental visits. This is the most important thing you can do to keep your mouth healthy. Carefully cleaning all possible surfaces of your teeth helps reduce the number of bacteria attacking your teeth and causing gum disease. It also neutralizes the amount of acid in your mouth which weakens the enamel protecting your teeth and increasing sensitivity.
The recommended amount of time you should be brushing your teeth is twice a day for two minutes each session. Flossing is important to clean the spaces the brush can't reach and should be done at least once a day. Following up on the routine with mouth wash before bed can also help protect your teeth from damage.
3. Don't smoke.
Smoking has been linked to all kinds of problems in the mouth, included gum disease, oral cancers, and increased levels of decay. Long term use of any drugs and even alcohol abuse are linked to many problems, including less attention paid to oral hygiene care. These all spiral into a terrible situation for your mouth with major tooth loss.
4. Limit mouth jewelry.
Having piercings in or around your mouth increases tooth damage. When a tongue stud is worn, it wears on the teeth, even hitting and cracking them. Piercings along the lips have been shown to increase bacteria levels. It is harder to keep the mouth clean when these are present.
5. Eat the right food.
Limit sugary and acidic foods that are known to damage teeth. Try to eat more of the things you should, such as:
· Dairy to strengthen your bones, including teeth.
· Water to hydrate your body and wash out harmful acids in your mouth.
· Eat a well-balanced diet to make sure your mouth gets all the necessary nutrients.
Keeping your natural teeth is as simple as following these tips. When you treat your teeth right and give it the things it needs, you will not have to resort to dentures in your later adult years. You can live a long and healthy life with the teeth you already know.