A common misconception is that tooth loss is just something to accept as you grow older, but in actuality, good dental habits can help keep a beautiful, healthy smile last regardless of age. The leading cause of tooth loss is gum disease, not aging, and gum disease is preventable if you properly take care of your teeth and gums.
Follow these tips from Oakwood Dental Arts NC to help your well-crafted smile last a lifetime.
Keep Up Hygiene
Your daily at-home care is probably the most important component to keeping up your oral health as you age. Continue to brush twice a day and floss once a day. An electric toothbrush can be helpful to remove more plaque. Make sure that you place the bristles of your brush at the gumline.
Watch What You Eat
Your oral health is greatly affected by the food you eat. Sugary foods can stick to your teeth and cause plaque buildup. On the other hand, nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables help to fight bacteria and clean plaque from teeth. Foods that are especially helpful include apples, carrots, and celery. Even cheese can help prevent decay. Read more in our blog The Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth.
Do Not Smoke
Smoking hurts more than just your lungs—it greatly increases your chances of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Quit to preserve your teeth and overall health.
Schedule Regular Dentist Appointments
Make sure to schedule regular dental exams and cleanings. Typically, patients will need to schedule x-rays once a year and cleanings twice a year (every 6 months). As you grow older, the nerves in your teeth may grow smaller, making it more difficult to catch problems earlier on, so it is very important not to skip these appointments.
Schedule an Appointment with a Dentist in Hickory, NC
Schedule an appointment today at Oakwood Dental Arts NC. As a dentist office in Hickory, North Carolina, we are here to help all of our patients of all ages achieve the best dental health possible. Contact us at 828-324-6235 or email [email protected].