Missing Teeth: Replacing Them is Easier Than Ever

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!

When Tooth Decay Strikes Adults: What To Know

Dentist Blog

It's not unusual to hear about children with tooth decay issues. However, tooth decay can strike at any age. Though most adults do a good job of caring for their teeth, some still get cavities. To find out what might be going on, read below.

How Cavities Happen

It all begins with food. When you eat and drink, foods containing sugar and carbohydrates can cause bacteria to grow at an accelerated pace. If the bacteria are not removed quickly enough, they can turn into plaque. Plaque is a hard substance that clings to your teeth and is difficult to remove. Even your dental hygienist needs to use sharp dental instruments to remove plaque. Plaque, unfortunately, can deplete the minerals in your teeth. In most cases, your tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body. However, teeth exposed to plaque can develop tiny cracks and break down. Once bacteria gets inside a tooth, decay is next.

You Can Have Cleaner Teeth

As you can see from the way cavities form, proper dental hygiene could be the key to eliminating decay from your teeth. Follow the below tips to ensure your mouth gets and stays as clean as possible:

  • Brushing: Between visits to your dental hygienist, you can stave off the bad things that cause tooth decay by brushing often and properly. Don't get carried away, however. If you wield too much power with that toothbrush, you could cause tiny tears in your gums. That can lead a new and different bacteria problems that can lead to gum diseases. Experts advise patients to use an electric toothbrush if possible. That way, the proper amount of pressure is applied to both clean the teeth and protect the gums. These brushes often have timers to ensure that you brush for long enough.
  • As far as the frequency of brushing goes, brush after you eat if possible. People tend to skip brushing after snacks and certain meals like lunch. Whatever you, don't go to bed without brushing. Nighttime may be the most damaging time for bacteria growth. If you cannot brush after lunch or snacks, try rinsing your mouth thoroughly and chewing sugar-free gum.
  • Flossing: Just like brushing, too much is not a good thing. Water flossers are new on the market and they do a better job than manual flossing. Electric flossers are not as irritating to gums as well. There is no way for even the best toothbrushes to remove everything, so flossing is key.

Find out more by speaking with a dentist.

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7 March 2023