The longer you keep your natural teeth the better it is for your overall health
Nowadays, it’s common knowledge that you must brush and floss your teeth every day. And that drinking plenty of water during the day as well as chewing sugar-free gum is a great way to keep your teeth clean until you brush and floss before bed.
The level of patient care has also increased dramatically, with dentists able to offer minimally invasive fillings instead of silver fillings. Then there’s the refinement of tools like dental drills which are now sleek and slimline and less invasive than the stereotypes of old.
Caring for your teeth as you age
Caring for your teeth is about regular oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. A six-monthly check-up can prevent serious problems from occurring.
Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft bristle toothbrush. Soft bristles are less abrasive and therefore less likely to harm the enamel of your teeth.
Flossing cleans the 30% of the tooth brushing can’t reach. This is why flossing at least once a day is so important for oral health.
A six-monthly check-up to your dentist allows them to provide you with a scale and clean—no toothbrush can provide you with the same level of care as a dentist’s scale and clean. A dentist can also assess your teeth, gums and jaws.
The connection of oral health to overall health
Taking care of your oral health is about more than just healthy teeth and gums. Studies have shown a link between gum disease and:
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Diabetes
- Heart Attacks
- Heart Disease
This is due to bad bacteria caused by gum disease which travels through your body causing excess inflammation which then can causes these problems.
Your teeth as you age
As we get older our teeth become more fragile as a result of decades of chewing and biting. According to the American Dental Association, more than 35 million Americans have no teeth, and 178 million are missing at least one tooth—a number that is expected to grow in the next two decades.[1]
Replacing missing teeth is good for your remaining teeth
Dentistry now provides patients with options such as dental implants and far improved iterations on dentures. Tooth replacement treatments are also a good way of taking care of your natural teeth.
By replacing missing teeth, you are providing support for your gums, jaw, and remaining teeth. Dentures are the most popular and effective treatment for replacing missing teeth, however, dental implants provide support and longevity unmatched by traditional dentures.
Taking care of your teeth as you age starts by taking care of your teeth at a young age, and then never stopping. It’s always important to visit your dentist, brush and floss your teeth as well as consume less sugary food and drink.
[1] https://www.gotoapro.org/facts-figures/
