I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!
Now that people are living longer, it is more important than ever to properly care for your teeth. Permanent teeth that are lost can never be replaced.
Here are a few ways to help ensure that your teeth last throughout your lifetime.
Use a Water Flosser
A water flosser is a specialized device that releases a concentrated stream of water through a small maneuverable nozzle. The water can be directed at specific areas of the mouth, such as between the teeth and along the gumline, to dislodge plaque and leftover bits of food.
The use of a water flosser is quick and simple, so it may be preferred over traditional flossing. In addition, most water flossers include controls to allow you to select the intensity of the water flow. Some models even have pulsating options to massage the gums. This is important because gum disease can cause tooth and bone loss.
Chew Gum After Meals
Few people brush after every meal, but that doesn't mean that plaque and debris should build up on your teeth. To help clean your mouth after meals and snacks, chew a piece of sugar-free gum.
Bacteria within the mouth metabolize sugars. However, sugarless gum offers the microbes no additional food. This is helpful because tooth decay is caused by acids released by oral bacteria after they feed. Additionally, the inflammation that causes gum disease is also incited by bacterial acids.
Here are a few ways that chewing gum helps to clean the mouth:
To receive the best benefits from the gum, it is best to chew immediately after a meal. Waiting a long period after you eat can allow the oral bacteria to feed and release large amounts of acid. In addition, it encourages the development of plaque.
Receive Regular Preventive Care
In order to preserve your teeth, you should visit your dentist regularly for preventive care. Treatments, such as the application of fluoride and dental sealants, can help lessen your chance of tooth decay. In addition, a professional cleaning can clear away tartar, which can become a hiding place for oral microbes and additional plaque.
To learn more about protecting your oral health, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area, such as Clendenon Kirby DDS.
Share4 October 2017
