Preventing tooth loss is the best option for patients who are worried about having missing teeth. Though not every instance of tooth loss is preventable, most of them are!
Check out this blog to learn the best ways to prevent having missing teeth.
1. Practice good oral hygiene
Missing teeth often result from decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health problems that arise when the teeth aren’t properly cared for. Creating an effective oral hygiene routine is the best defense against these types of issues.
The best oral hygiene routines include:
- Brushing twice a day. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When brushing, scrub the front, back, and top of every tooth to ensure no plaque is left behind.
- Floss daily. Do this in the evening, after your last meal so that no food particles are stuck between your teeth overnight. It doesn’t matter what type of floss you use, as long as you use it!
- Rinse with mouthwash. Talk to your dentist about which type of mouthwash is best for your smile.
2. Visit the dentist regularly
Attending regular dental cleanings and exam appointments is another thing you can do to protect your teeth and gums from disease. A dental cleaning is extremely thorough and professionally done so your mouth feels brand new! When the dentist examines your mouth, she is searching for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, bruxism, etc.—all of which can result in missing teeth if left untreated.
3. Avoid crunchy foods
While most of the time, crunchy foods crack or chip teeth, those cracks and chips can lead to tooth loss. If you have a habit of chewing ice, or you have a favorite hard candy, it might be time to let those habits go because your risk of tooth loss becomes much higher.
4. Limit alcohol and tobacco use
Alcohol and tobacco are two of the leading causes of oral disease, especially when consumed often. Both raise your risk of gum disease, decay, and oral cancer. Drinking too much alcohol and using tobacco products create an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth.
In these cases, the alcohol and tobacco feed the bad bacteria, making it extremely difficult to bring your mouth back to health on your own.
5. Wear a mouthguard
If you play contact sports, a mouthguard is highly recommended. Ever seen a hockey player smile during a game? That’s what can happen when you don’t!
You can buy a mouthguard at a sporting goods store, but it won’t be very comfortable. Instead, talk to your dentist! She can take a mold of your teeth and have a custom mouthguard created.
Contact Our Lombard Dentist Today
Dr. Julie Glud at Dental Care of Lombard desires to see all of her patients achieve optimal oral health. She provides compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages, and works hard to makes sure they know that missing teeth don’t have to be a part of their story.
For more tips on how to maintain a beautiful smile, or to schedule a dental cleaning and exam appointment, contact our office today at (630) 629-5700.
