Losing a tooth or several teeth can be very detrimental to one’s self-confidence. It can cause people to withdraw socially and to lose faith in their ability to succeed on both personal and career levels. Fortunately, here at Stretford Road Dental Practice, we can help any patient who has suffered tooth loss with a variety of means to restore their smile. For any patient who is worried about potentially losing any teeth, this is a guide on the best steps to take in terms of prevention.
Take care with the diet
Our dentist in Urmston recommends that all patients limit the amount of sugar they consume. This means ensuring that snacks like sweets, chocolate and cakes are kept at an absolute minimum. They don’t have to be ruled out altogether, but it is a good idea to view them as an occasional treat rather than a daily part of the diet.
As well as limiting sugar, it’s worthwhile considering adding more crunchy vegetables to the diet. Carrot and celery sticks, for example, are a great snack or addition to a meal that can help to remove food debris from the teeth. In this way, they help to protect the teeth from deterioration.
A good cleaning routine
Keeping the teeth and gums clean is vital for ensuring that they stay healthy. Any patient who is in any doubt about how best to brush should consult with our dentist in Urmston to refine their technique. Brushing should take place twice a day, for two minutes at a time.
Whilst it is important to be vigorous, brushing too hard or for longer than two minutes can damage the teeth by wearing away the enamel. Enamel is the protective layer on top of the tooth’s surface that helps to keep it healthy. Flossing is important too, as it removes any debris that the patient has not been able to reach with brushing. This should be done once a day.
Get regular check-ups
It is recommended that you see our dentist in Urmston for a check-up every 6 months. We can identify any issues that may be causing the teeth and gums to be less healthy than they should be and treat them before they become major problems.
The check-up should also involve getting a thorough professional clean. This removes any plaque that has been difficult to tackle with brushing at home and leaves the mouth feeling clean and fresh. This is very helpful in preventing the teeth and gums from deteriorating to the point that tooth loss is on the cards.
Keep an eye on fizzy drink intake
Fizzy drinks such as cola might taste nice, but they can be a direct contributor to unhealthy teeth and gums. This is because they are acidic in nature, which erodes the enamel and then the elements of teeth underneath this protective layer. It is fine to have these kinds of drinks on occasion, but it’s a good idea to drink them within a relatively short period of time. Sipping on a fizzy drink throughout the day increases the risk of damage to the teeth and consequently, tooth loss.