Whether you are 18 or 80, taking good care of your teeth and dental health is very important. But as you age, dental care becomes more than just an annual trip to the dentist because changes in your mouth could have a direct effect on other parts of your body. So from Lakewood Endodontics, here are some tips to help keep your mouth healthy and your body strong:
Brush at least Twice a Day
Decay may occur in any area of the tooth, but as you age, it is more likely to develop around old fillings or in the exposed softer root of the tooth. Brushing your teeth twice a day can help remove the thin film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth each day and contributes to tooth decay.
Floss Daily
Most people don’t realize how important it is to take care of their gums as well as their teeth. Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Fortunately, flossing your teeth can help keep your gums strong and prevent plaque from building up between teeth. It is the only activity that can remove plaque from between teeth and below the gumline, where decay and gum disease often begin. Make sure to floss at least once a day, preferably before bed, to clean places where a toothbrush can’t reach.
Eat Nutritious Food
What you eat can help keep your teeth healthy and strong. For instance, recent studies have indicated that fresh cranberries interrupt the bonding of oral bacteria before they can form damaging plaque. Other foods that have beneficial effects on oral health include fortified juices, milk and other dairy products, which are rich in calcium and vitamin D. These help promote healthy teeth and bones, and reduce the risk for tooth loss.
Keep Up with Dentist Appointments
As you age, you become more vulnerable to developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease. Researchers believe that symptoms of these diseases can manifest themselves in the mouth, making dentists key in diagnosing the diseases. In fact, your dentist may be the first health professional to notice a problem. In addition, it is important to visit your dentist regularly because some oral problems, for instance root decay, can only be detected in its early stages by x-ray examination.
For a comprehensive dental care service, visit Lakewood Endodontics today. We strive to provide a pleasant atmosphere and compassionate service to give you a healthy smile.