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How Do I Protect My Teeth?

When a patient loses one or more teeth, we’re prepared to help them restore their smile with dental implants. However, we also believe that with a preventive approach to oral healthcare, you can help avoid tooth loss and protect your teeth. In addition, these steps can help patients who have already lost a tooth avoid further lost teeth down the road.

Avoiding Bad Habits

When you consume a large amount of food or drink high in sugar and other starches, the resulting plaque buildup can increase the risk of complications, such as tooth decay, infection, and gingivitis. These common oral health issues can lead to a risk of tooth loss without treatment. In addition, smoking can elevate the risk of periodontitis, an advanced stage of gum disease that dissolves the connective tissue between the teeth and gums, leading to adult tooth loss.

Seeing Your Dentist

You should see your dentist every six months, regardless of age or who well you brush/floss. A routine exam allows the doctor to pinpoint the presence of decay or periodontal problems in the early stages, leading to successful treatment/management before these issues can hurt the stability of your teeth. The dental cleanings performed in the same visit also remove plaque, further protecting your smile.

Replacing Lost Teeth with Dental Implants

However, should you lose a tooth don’t hesitate to discuss replacement with our team. A dental implant is inserted into the jaw, acting and looking like a natural tooth and with proper care, potentially lasting a lifetime. We can also use them to provide prosthetics, including dental bridges and full dentures that are fixed in place and don’t require periodic replacement the way traditional bridges or dentures do. If you have any questions about preventing tooth loss or dental implants, then contact our team today.

Dr.Stewart: