Make Your Teeth Last a Lifetime

People used to think that losing your teeth was just a natural part of aging, but dentists now know that, with proper care, your teeth can last a lifetime. To prevent diseases of the bone and tissue supporting your teeth, called periodontal disease, pay special attention to your teeth and gums.

Gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, is caused by bacteria. If your gums are red and swollen, and they bleed when you brush your teeth, you may have gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease.

To keep the bacteria from thriving in your mouth, brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Over-the-counter and prescription mouth rinses help prevent receding gums, too.

If you have arthritis or a neurological disease such as Parkinson’s, you may not be able to wield a toothbrush or floss. Look for specialized tools such as electric toothbrushes, mouth-irrigating machines, special picks, and tiny brushes that slide between your teeth.

Arthritis and some medications can cause you to have a dry mouth. Saliva has an important role in keeping your teeth healthy. If your mouth isn’t producing enough, it’s a good idea to drink more liquids to keep up the moisture level in your mouth.

Eating a healthy diet of fresh foods and getting enough calcium is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy.

Seeing your dentist regularly is a must for keeping your teeth healthy. If you have gum disease, twice-a-year dental visits may not be enough. However, the daily care you give your teeth is really the deciding factor in keeping them for a lifetime. If you aren’t sure about the most effective way to brush and floss, your dentist can show you how.

An interesting fact: If you have sensitive teeth, you’ve probably noticed an odd thing about brushing your teeth right after breakfast. If orange juice was part of the meal, brushing can hurt your teeth. This phenomenon is not a figment of your imagination. Your teeth have microscopic tubes leading from the surface to the nerves inside. Brushing your teeth helps to clog these tubes so your teeth don’t feel so sensitive. The acid in the orange juice counteracts this effect. To decrease tooth sensitivity, don’t brush right before or after consuming orange juice or other foods or drinks high in acid.