Preventing Tooth Loss Through Oral Care and Living Right

How to Prevent Tooth Loss through Good Habits and Good Sense

Most people don't think much about losing teeth unless they play contact sports. Yet many people lose their teeth due to causes that are easily preventable. Adults over 35 are especially vulnerable to falling into habits that cause tooth loss.

Research shows that among adults aged 35 to 49, the average number of remaining teeth is 25-out of the normal 32. Older people have an even greater risk. An average person aged 50 to 64 has only 22 teeth left. Those are statistics that need to change. They can change if those adults practice the same kinds of good habits and common sense that their parents probably drilled in to them as children.
Let's take a look at some of the ways that you-and other adults-can reverse this disturbing trend simply by changing a few habits:

Know the Risk Factors

Forewarned is forearmed, so the saying goes. If you have one or more of these risk factors, you may need to take a look at changing your lifestyle to avoid tooth loss:

-35 or older

-Male

-Sporadic professional dental care

-Poor oral hygiene habits

-Smoker

-Diabetes

-Hypertension

-Rheumatoid arthritis

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

1. See your dentist at least twice a year. You can reduce your risk of tooth loss greatly simply by getting proper professional dental care twice yearly. At the very least, you need to have your teeth checked and cleaned. A thorough checkup can nip little problems in the bud before they become serious ones that cause tooth loss. Professional cleanings get rid of plaque, tartar, and food particles that cause gum disease and cavities, two major causes of tooth loss.

2. Brush and floss your teeth every day. To get a good jump on keeping plaque at bay, brush your teeth at least twice a day using a toothpaste containing fluoride. Flossing keeps your gums in good condition, stopping gum disease in its tracks, as well as getting rid of stubborn food particles that evade your toothbrush.

Practice Good Habits

Remember how your parents watched your sugar intake when you were a kid? Now that you're an adult, you'll have to learn to tell yourself "No!" when your sweet tooth rears its ugly head. You'll also have to curb your craving for tobacco and excess alcohol. Both substances can cause weak gums and lead to cavities. Your body, too, will thank you for cutting back. Your chances of getting diabetes or high blood pressure will be greatly reduced if you practice a healthier lifestyle.

A Better Lifestyle Leads to Greater Rewards

Look at your smile in the mirror. Don't you just love the way your full smile makes you feel younger, more confident? With all your teeth intact, though, you won't just look younger, though. You'll feel younger and healthier by cutting your risk of serious health problems by keeping your teeth in your mouth where they belong. Want more information about how to keep your teeth healthy? Contact your local dentist office for even more ways to keep you smiling.

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Caven and his experienced team help you find your best smile. Offering advanced technology in Jacksonville, Florida for a variety of cosmetic dental services, Dr. Caven offers a versatile range of solutions for healthy smiles.

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