Is losing teeth part of the aging process? It doesn’t have to be. Keeping your teeth for a lifetime depends on how you care for them.
The best way to preserve for your teeth is to establish an effective self-care routine. This includes regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, twice a day at morning and evening, daily flossing, and rinsing with a fluoride-based rinsed in the evenings.
This self-care, in addition to regular, twice-a-year professional cleanings and examinations will go a long way in keeping your teeth healthy. There should be no connection between losing teeth and aging.
Keep an Eye on Your Own Dental Health
You are the best monitor of your dental health. If you feel a chip or sense pain, it is your responsibility to make an appointment with your dentist. The sooner you take care of a small problem, the less likely it is to become a larger problem.
When larger traumas happen, like having a tooth knocked out or broken, for example, it is imperative that you call your dentist immediately. He or she can advise you on the best action to take in that moment to preserve the tooth. You may be told to place the knocked-out tooth in milk and bring it into the office for reimplantment. Or you may be scheduled for an appointment for a crown to fix a broken tooth.
Diet Helps
Your diet also plays an important role in your dental health. Eating a healthy diet creates a healthy body. You should limit the amount of sugars and starches you eat, and stay away from sticky foods. If you do eat these, be sure to brush afterwards to remove residue that can build up on your teeth.
Don’t chew ice or crunch down on hard foods. This can chip or break teeth and dental crowns and fillings.
Taking certain drugs cause a side effect that can dry out your saliva flow, creating a dry mouth, and often, bad breath. Since saliva is necessary to wash away bacteria and food particles, the lack of it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
In the past, people did not have access to the knowledge, research and methods of tooth preservation we have today. With proper care, you can expect to keep your teeth for a lifetime, no matter what your age.
Make Advanced Family Dentistry your Dentist for Life
At Advanced Family Dentistry, we love to start with patients when they are young and follow them throughout their lifetime. This creates a flow of dental care, and we can monitor for any changes in your dental health. And we offer a full range of dental services, from preventive care to oral surgery, implants and cosmetic procedures. Contact us to set your next appointment.
Dr. Sonny Kim is a Diplomat of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), the highest education level for general dentists in this field.
Advanced Family Dentistry
Dr. Sonny Kim, DMD
11876 Sunrise Valley Dr, Suite 101
Reston, VA 20191
Phone: 703.390.9191
