As you age, your mouth changes. The nerves in your teeth become smaller as time passes by, which makes you less sensitive to dental cavities and other dental problems. Because of this, those problems can progress quickly, and if they aren’t caught in a timely manner, the end result is generally tooth loss. However, there are things you can do to maintain healthy teeth for a lifetime, and those things are:
· Keep up on oral hygiene: Do your best to brush your teeth, floss your smile,
and rinse your mouth each day. It’s recommended to brush twice a day and floss and
rinse daily. When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. When you floss, use a
product of your choice. When you rinse, use a wash that will prevent tooth decay and
plaque buildup.
· Use fluoride: If you get the right amount of fluoride
you need each day, you will be on the right track. In order to get your fix, use
fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash and drink as much tap water as you can. We also
recommend taking advantage of our professional fluoride treatment when you come into
our office.
· Quit smoking: Smoking will destroy your health in more ways
than one. It can create many different types of cancers in your body and it can also
cause gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. So, if you want to keep your natural
smile for a lifetime, it’s best that you stop smoking.
· Visit your
dentist: Visiting your dentist is one of the best things you can do for your
smile. So, it is strongly recommended that you visit your dentist for a dental
cleaning and exam every six months. This will help you keep your smile in tip-top
shape because it will give our team the chance to properly clean your smile as well
as prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Call Kevin L. Caldwell, DDS, PC today at 417.673.1988 if you have any questions or if you need to schedule a dental cleaning and exam with Dr. Kevin Caldwell. Now remember: The more you take care of your smile, the higher the chances are that you will keep a strong and successful oral health. Please feel free to call our office if you have any questions!