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Keep Your Teeth Tough As You Age

senior-patients

It’s important to continue visiting our practice for regular appointments into your golden years.

Adding years to your life doesn’t have to mean subtracting teeth from your smile. Celebrate those extra candles on your birthday cake by ensuring that your teeth stay senior strong. Here are some easy yet effective ways to keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.

Ensure you get enough calcium. Because calcium can decrease bone loss, it’s a good idea to consume adequate amounts. Milk, cheese, broccoli and almonds are all excellent sources. You also may choose to take supplements.

Maintain good oral hygiene habits. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day are essential habits that can go a long way to ensuring you keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Don’t skip your dental visits. Make sure you keep up with regular dental checkups as we can identify any problems such as decay, gum disease or oral cancer. By taking a preventative approach to your oral health, you can avoid bigger and costlier problems down the road.

Kick the habit. If you smoke, there’s no better time than now to quit. Not only is smoking detrimental to your overall health, but it also can result in gum disease and tooth loss. According to some studies, smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers.

Avoid tough-on-teeth foods and beverages. Sticky foods such as dried fruit can cause damaging decay because they linger on your teeth longer. Likewise, starchy foods such as bread and chips can get stuck between teeth, resulting in cavity-producing bacteria. Coffee, tea, sports drinks and alcohol can contribute to a dry mouth, which also may lead to cavities.

If you do have missing teeth, your dentist can discuss replacement options such as dentures and implants. Contact our practice today to schedule your next appointment.

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