Tooth loss is a prevalent problem that many people face, and it can be difficult if you don’t know how to prevent it. Fortunately, Dr. Schmitt and Dr. Phillips at Phillips and Schmitt Dentistry in Asheville, North Carolina are experts at identifying and preventing tooth loss. Our dentists and dental hygienists are some of the best in Western North Carolina because they provide expert care and sincerely care about improving and maintaining your oral hygiene. To that end, this article offers 5 tips on how to prevent tooth loss which is helpful in addition to your routine dental visits.
1. Clean Your Teeth Daily
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day reduces plaque, a primary contributor for tooth decay and tooth loss. In addition, we strongly encourage you to floss your teeth daily to remove food buildup that can easily hide between your teeth. Routine brushing and flossing is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums and thereby helps prevent tooth loss.
2. Visit the Dentist Regularly
We recommend scheduling two yearly visits to get your teeth cleaned and examined. This way, our Asheville dentists can access your gum health and teeth to determine if any further work needs to be done, such as filling a cavity. Phillips and Schmitt dental specialists will guide you to select available treatments for any problems they find while examining your mouth. Additionally, we provide suggestions and tips as it relates to proper brushing and flossing to prevent cavities and other oral health problems. With consistent professional advice, we will help you avoid tooth loss as you age.
3. Consider Wearing a Mouthguard
If you are an athlete or are known to grind your teeth while you sleep, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from injuries and tooth decay. Many sports-related oral injuries result in tooth loss, so keeping a mouthguard handy is excellent insurance for your teeth. Afterall, you only have one set of natural teeth, so keeping them in tact is a priority!
4. Avoid Using Tobacco Products
Not only is tobacco detrimental to your overall health as it puts you at risk for cancer and lung disease, but it is also excellent at eroding the enamel on your teeth. In addition, smoking and chewing tobacco will quickly damage your gums and tongue. Since tobacco is a sure cause of tooth loss, we strongly encourage you to think deeply about what you’re putting into your body.
5. Address Chronic Dry Mouth Issues
Did you know that a chronic dry mouth issue can ultimately cause tooth decay? Since a dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva, and your saliva helps clean the inside of your mouth, a lack of moisture puts you at a high risk for tooth decay and ultimately, tooth loss. Why is this, exactly? When your mouth is dry more often than not, your teeth are prone to cavities and bacterial infection which ultimately results in tooth loss. If you are experiencing dry mouth frequently, it is crucial that you contact us today to schedule an appointment to access your oral health.
Tooth loss can affect a person’s health and self-esteem, so you should take any and all steps you can to avoid it. The best and primary way to combat tooth loss is to visit a dentist regularly for cleaning and maintenance. For excellent, reliable dental care, contact Phillips and Schmitt: Asheville Dentistry today.