Tooth loss can happen at any age, however, it’s usually preventable. Currently, the top reason for tooth loss in the U.S. is due to gum disease. At Rochester Advanced Dentistry, we provide patients with the preventive care and treatments they need to fight off tooth loss for the rest of their lives. Aside from visiting us regularly for dental exams and preventive care treatments, there are a few steps you can take at home to prevent tooth loss from occurring. We highly recommend taking these tips seriously to extend the lifespan of your natural teeth.
1. Keep Using Fluoride
Although the internet is filled with conspiracy theories that drinking fluoridated water or brushing your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste causes memory loss, this is all a hoax. Fluoride is one of your best defenders against tooth decay. We highly recommend continuing to brush your teeth with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste twice a day. If you live in an area that has fluoridated water, drinking water from the tap can also help you combat cavities.
2. Brush and Floss Regularly
You might think that skipping brushing your teeth and flossing at night doesn’t have any big consequences, but it does. When you skip brushing or flossing your teeth, the plaque and debris that remain on your teeth will turn into bacteria and harden into tartar which can cause tooth decay and gum disease to form which eventually leads to tooth loss. Make sure to brush your teeth in the morning and at night and floss at least once per day, preferably at night.
3. Avoid Tobacco
Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the worst habits for your teeth. Tobacco not only stains the teeth, but it erodes the enamel and increases the risk of gum disease. It’s also linked with oral and throat cancers in addition to oral fungal infections. If you care about your teeth or general health, avoid using tobacco.
4. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can increase the risk of oral cancer and also causes dehydration. When you become dehydrated, your mouth produces less saliva, which means fewer bacteria gets washed away. This can result in tooth decay.
5. Eat Well
A high starch or sugary diet might taste great but it isn’t the best for your teeth or waistline. Foods high in starch convert the starch into sugar which then causes plaque build up on teeth. Sugary and starchy foods then result in tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
With these five tips to avoid tooth loss in mind in your day-to-day life, you might be able to extend the lifespan of your natural teeth. Not only will this save you from lots of pain but also lots of money down the line. If you’re overdue for a dental exam or have an aching tooth you would like to address, please schedule an appointment with our dentists today at Rochester Advanced Dentistry by calling (248) 656-2020.
