Far too many Americans are forgoing their dental care. While the reasons vary, the implications are all the same.
Did you know that 26% of Americans aged 65 and older have 8 or fewer teeth remaining? Roughly 17% of adults in this age group no longer have any teeth.
The consequences of letting your oral health deteriorate are grave. Tooth loss is linked to fatal conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Now is the time to take your oral hygiene seriously before it gets to this point. Read on to learn how to care for teeth. Explore important topics such as how to have healthy teeth and gums.
Start a Routine
Starting a daily routine is the best strategy for healthy teeth and gums. Begin each day by carefully brushing your teeth and gums. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste removes food and plaque.
The bacteria in plaque create acids that destroy a tooth’s enamel. The continued deterioration of enamel eventually leads to cavities and tooth loss.
Plaque also hardens into tartar, which is hard to remove from teeth. As tartar builds up, it causes inflammation and eventual gum disease.
Dental professionals recommend that you brush your teeth twice per day to fight off plaque and tartar. Flossing daily is also important, as well as rinsing your mouth out with antiseptic mouthwash.
It is important to brush and floss before bed. You do not want plaque and bacteria sitting in your mouth overnight.
While not daily, you should also plan to see your dentist twice per year for routine checkups. Your teeth and gums are cleaned by a dental hygienist. The dentist also takes X-rays to look for cavities and other potential issues.
Consider Your Diet
Few people realize how a poor diet can significantly affect your oral health. There are many regular foods that contribute to tooth decay.
Coffee is one of the worst culprits. It tends to stain teeth and its acidity erodes enamel. Add sugar or your favorite creamer and the negative effects only compound.
Many people like to end their day with a glass of red wine. Unfortunately, wine has similar negative effects to coffee.
Candy and processed foods are also bad for your teeth. They leave plaque on your teeth and sugar is known to erode your enamel.
These items are obvious but there are others that negatively contribute to oral health. Juices and carbonated beverages should be avoided.
There are even acidic fruits and vegetables that can be bad for your oral health. Talk to your dentist about the best possible diet and try to stick to it.
How to Care for Teeth
You are now ready to start taking better care of your teeth. A diligent and consistent routine is an absolute must. Brushing and flossing need to be a part of that daily routine.
Routine visits to your dentist are also a critical part of the oral health routine. Make sure to see your dentist two times per year for a checkup. If you want to learn more about how to care for teeth, contact us today to schedule an appointment.