In our last blog, we talked a little bit about implant dentistry, which we can use to address tooth loss and restore the beauty, function, and health of a smile. However, with a focus on preventive and general care, our Woodland Hills, CA, patients can reduce the risk of adult tooth loss, and secure their oral health in the process. Let’s talk about what you can do to protect your smile from lost teeth!
The Danger of Poor Oral Health
When we don’t take proper care of our smile, our teeth could develop cavities and infections. Without restorative care, these teeth could fall out or need to be extracted to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth. In order to prevent gaps in your smile due to decay and infection, we suggest brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and flossing every night before going to bed. These steps help safeguard smiles against the onset of cavities and dental infections. If you experience toothaches and tooth sensitivity, be sure to tell your dentist, as this could point the to presence of cavities.
Gum Disease and Lost Teeth
Gum disease, or more accurately the advanced stage of gum disease, is the most common cause of adult tooth loss. Gum disease forms when the gums become inflamed and pull away from the teeth, forming pockets at the gum line. When bacteria enter these pockets, the disease develops. There is no cure for gum disease so routine care is essential for managing it. Otherwise, periodontitis may develop and sever the connective tissues between the teeth and gums, leading to loose teeth and eventually, adult tooth loss. If you begin to experience soreness or redness in the gums, or if they bleed easily, then please let us know right away.
Preventive Care and Implant Dentistry
As we touched on above, preventive care which includes daily brushing and flossing, as well as routine checkups and cleanings, helps prevent gum disease and other issues linked to missing teeth. If you do have a gap in your smile due to missing teeth, we can offer a solution. Implant dentistry provides a strong and lifelike option for restoring your missing teeth, one that stimulates the growth of jawbone tissue to prevent further missing teeth. If you have any questions about preventing lost teeth, then contact our team today.
Woodland Hills Dental Discusses Missing Teeth
Routine care can help your smile stay strong, avoiding the risk of adult tooth loss. Schedule a consultation to discuss our solutions to missing teeth and preventive treatment options by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA, today at (818) 347-5124. We also proudly work with patients from Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all other surrounding areas.