As your dental office, our main purpose is to help you keep your teeth healthy for your entire life. We are passionate about good oral hygiene, and we get excited when our patients leave their semi-annual appointments with a clean bill of dental health. That is one of the reasons we have put together this quick guide to keeping your natural teeth for your whole life.
It’s Good to Have A Goal
Preserving your natural teeth for life is an achievable goal if you are willing to prioritize your oral health. You must develop lifelong habits that will promote a healthy mouth and a healthy body. Following these guidelines will improve your chances of keeping your teeth for life.
1. Establish and Maintain a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine: Brush your teeth at least twice a day — preferably after every meal — using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss after meals, or at least once a day, to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline. Using a mouthwash as well reduces bacteria and freshens your breath.
2. Maintain a Balanced Diet: Choose nutritionally rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products, that support overall oral health. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which promote cavities and erode tooth enamel. It is also a good idea to limit alcohol or avoid it altogether.
3. Drink Lots of Water: Drinking water throughout the day rinses away food particles and neutralizes the acids from food and drinks that can harm your teeth. Choose water as much as possible over sports drinks, sodas, and juice to protect teeth from excess sugar and keep your body properly hydrated.
4. Visit Us Regularly: Schedule dental examinations and cleanings with us at least twice a year, or as often we recommend. Regular cleanings eliminate plaque and tartar that your toothbrush and dental floss miss, and exams help us detect issues like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer early, when treatment is usually simpler.
5. Protect Your Teeth: To prevent dental injuries, wear a mouthguard when playing sports and doing any activity in which there is a risk of getting hit in the face. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to us about a nightguard to protect them from damage.
6. Do Not Smoke, Use Tobacco Products, or Vape: All tobacco products can significantly increase your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. It is best to avoid them completely. Vaping has also been linked to oral health problems. If you need assistance quitting, talk to a healthcare professional.
7. Be Kind to Your Teeth: Brush and floss gently to keep from damaging tooth enamel and gum tissue. Avoid chewing on hard objects, like ice, pens, or fingernails, to prevent chips, cracks, or undue wear on your teeth. Use the right tools, like a bottle opener or scissors, instead of your teeth to open packages or remove tags.
8. Pay Close Attention to Your Oral Health: Be alert to changes in your teeth, gums, or oral health, such as pain, bleeding, or swelling. Talk to us if you have any concerns. Take care of dental issues promptly to prevent them from worsening and causing further damage to your teeth and gums.
9. Get Educated: Ask us anything about your oral health. We are here to give you personalized advice and tips to help you keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
10. Be Consistent: Consistency is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. Stick to your oral hygiene routine and follow our recommendations diligently. Maintaining good oral health is a lifelong commitment.
We hope this guide helps you make oral health a priority. If you follow our recommendations, you will improve your chances of keeping your teeth for your entire life. Remember that prevention is always better and less costly than treatment. When you invest in your oral health now, you can have a brighter, healthier smile for life.
If you are due for an oral hygiene examination and cleaning or have any oral health concerns you would like Dr. Stryker to look at, please contact our office in North Huntingdon, PA to schedule an appointment. We wish you a lifetime of great smiles!
