Even if you still retain all of your natural teeth, you might fear future tooth loss as you grow older. For many patients, the belief that tooth loss is inevitable can become a self-fulfilling process if they allow their dental health to decline as they age. The good news is that tooth loss doesn’t have to be in your future. By preventing the most common conditions that lead to missing teeth, you can largely prevent tooth loss and preserve your healthy, natural smile for life.
Step 1: Good Hygiene
Though you can lose teeth for several reasons (an accidental impact, for instance), the most common reasons are dental health issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Both conditions are results of poor hygiene, which allows bacteria to overwhelm your teeth and gums. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day will help control the plaque that protects oral germs, and routine dental checkups and cleanings will allow us to inspect your mouth to ensure that it remains free of disease.
Step 2: Recognize Signs of Trouble
Toothaches, tooth damage, and loose teeth are common and usually-easily-recognizable signs of dental trouble, and you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Wright and Dr. Heron if you notice any of them. However, some symptoms, like persistent bad breath, slight gum recession, or bleeding (but painless) gums might not be as easily recognized as potential warnings of future tooth loss. If anything about your teeth, gums, tongue, breath, or oral tissues seems out of the ordinary, visit our office as soon as possible.
Step 3: Seek Treatment ASAP
When it comes to your dental health, and particularly dental health issues, time is essential to saving your healthy teeth and oral tissues. Tooth decay and gum disease are progressive, and if you hesitate to seek treatment, the damage they cause will grow exponentially worse and increase your risks of tooth loss.
ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE DENTISTS:
As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
