Be Thankful for Your Healthy Smile This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and reflect on all the things we're grateful for. While your oral health may not be the first thing that comes...
Your smile is one of your most valuable assets – losing it doesn’t have to be a part of your future. By taking daily steps to ensure dental health and longevity, you can actually avoid tooth loss entirely. With the capabilities of modern dental care, tooth loss is no longer an inevitability (as long as you care for your smile the right way). Wondering about the best steps you can take to preserve your teeth? Keep reading for our tips, and take this opportunity to schedule your next dental exam!
Keeping Tooth Loss Out of Your Life
- Brush and floss (but especially floss) – Most of us take part in daily brushing (and if you aren’t, it’s time to change that). But countless adults skip the floss every day. Unfortunately, this robs you of the chance to really attack plaque from all angles. Your flossing removes bacteria buildup from difficult-to-reach spots between your teeth, that a toothbrush can’t hope to approach. Flossing is especially important in the prevention of gingivitis, because it helps toughen up your gums and also reduces inflammation. Find it hard to floss? Ask us about product recommendations that will make things simple.
- Stay vigilant – Be aware of what your teeth are telling you. If it seems like something is changing, take that opportunity to set up a dental appointment. You know your teeth better than anyone, and your fast response will help prevent serious dental problems.
- Know the symptoms of gingivitis – If you notice that your gums are becoming reddened, inflamed, bloody, tender, or beginning to recede, you may have a case of gingivitis on your hands.
- Consider your gum disease risk factors – Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss; by preventing it, you’re far more likely to preserve a full smile. While excellent oral hygiene will prevent gum disease, there are complicating factors that may make it tougher for you to keep your gums in great shape. Some include a genetic predisposition to periodontal disease, tobacco use, age, diabetes, and bruxism. If you’re at a heightened risk, we may want to see you in the office more often to screen properly.
