Keep your teeth healthy

Though you may not want to face it (we all have at some point in life), aging is something inevitable. Just like all other parts of your body, as you age, so does your mouth.

While everyone wishes to have their teeth for as long as possible, there are a lot of misconceptions about keeping your teeth healthy for life.

It’s time to clear these misconceptions and learn new tips to keep your teeth healthy as you age.

One of these common misconceptions is the belief that your teeth must fall out as you age. This isn’t true. If cared for properly, your teeth can last a lifetime!

Here is what you need to know.

1. Start oral hygiene as early as possible

Despite the significant strides in tooth decay prevention in children, one in every four kids develops symptoms of tooth decay long before they join the school.

Surprisingly, 50% of all children between the ages of 12 years and 15 years have teeth cavities.

One way of increasing the chances of your child having long-lasting teeth is by beginning dental care as soon as a child is born.

According to Caryn Solie, RDH, the president of the American Dental Hygienists Association, kid’s teeth can be wiped clean with a wet, clean piece of cloth or gently brush the child’s teeth using a soft toothbrush.

Teach the children oral hygiene and make sure that they stick to strict and healthy dental practices.

2. Use enough fluoride (not too much)

Even if you didn’t begin healthy oral care practices when you were a child, the hope for keeping your teeth healthy for as long as you live isn’t gone.

It’s worth mentioning that the single advance in dental health has been fluoride. It strengthens your teeth’s enamel to the point that you can resist tooth decay.

Three in four Americans take fluoridated water as a way of ensuring that their teeth get enough fluoride.

In case your water isn’t fluoridated, you can consult your dentist from peach blossom dental and find out if you can add a fluoride application on your teeth.

Fortunately, most toothpaste and mouth rinses contain fluoride and as long as you use such products, your teeth can get enough fluoride.

As much as you want to take enough fluoride to strengthen your teeth, keep in mind that fluoride must be used sparingly especially in children. Too much fluoride can result in a white spot on the teeth.

3. Brush twice and floss daily

Tooth decay and gum diseases remain to be the major causes of loss of teeth and not just for old people.

According to ADHA, 75% of teenagers have gums that bleed. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily ensures that your teeth are free from substances that cause tooth decay. Always remember, you should change our toothbrush three to four times yearly.

Besides, teenagers using braces are advised to use special toothbrushes to ensure that their teeth are clean. To know what you’re supposed to use, talk to your orthodontist or dentist.

4. Dental check-ups are important too

Most oral care experts recommend a dental check-up at least once in six months. However, if you have gum diseases, you should make several visits to your dentist. Note that a dentist can help you restore your confidence through cosmetic dentistry even if you had damaged teeth.

During a routine oral exam, your dentist can remove plaque build-up that you might be unable to brush away or floss away.

Besides, the dentist can spot signs of tooth decay at the early stages and help you to deal with the situation long before it becomes a serious problem.

Conclusion

It’s true that you can have strong teeth even at old age. However, you need to start practicing oral hygiene from childhood, brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, use enough fluoride, and have a professional dentist check your teeth and gums regularly.

About The Author:

Stacey Smith is a freelance health writer. She is passionate to write about women’s health, dental health, diabetes, endocrinology, and nutrition and provides in-depth features on the latest in health news for medical clinics and health magazines.

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