Once upon a time, people expected to lose their teeth as they aged, and dentures were simply a fact of life. Today, we have the dental technology to maximize your dental health and help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Instead of treating dental diseases as they develop, we focus on preventing problems entirely. Dr. Lozada, Santa Clarita dentist, can help you keep your teeth healthy as you age.
1. Keep your teeth clean.
Brushing and flossing are such simple things, but they are also one of the best ways to keep your teeth healthy throughout life. Try an electric toothbrush with a timer to make sure you brush the full two minutes, even in those harder-to-reach areas, and use a flossing tool if your manual dexterity has declined.
2. Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Grinding can wear your teeth down by as much as a millimeter annually, but you might not notice this wear right away. It can also erode the bone tissue in your jaw and cause your gums to recede, increasing the risk of tooth loss. A night guard can protect your teeth.
3. Use fluoride.
Your toothpaste and any mouthwash you use should contain fluoride, but you should also consider having supplemental fluoride treatments as you age. Fluoride can help neutralize oral acids and rebuild dental enamel. Fluoride is also typically added to municipal water supplies, so you may want to consider drinking tap rather than bottled water.
4. Examine or replace restorations regularly.
Restorations are designed to last many years, but should be evaluated and replaced as needed to ensure the tooth beneath them continues to remain strong and healthy.
5. Visit us frequently.
Regular dental checkups are vital. During these checkups, we will clean your teeth and look for early signs of dental disease when problems are most easily and conservatively treated.
Call us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with Dr. Lozada.
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