Hello and welcome to another September edition of the Westwood Dental Smile blog!
Unlike earlier eras of dentistry, these days there is so much more we can do for you to restore your smile after tooth loss. In fact, our office has made the dental implant procedure one of our specialty solutions.
So, if you ever lose a tooth or multiple teeth, you can trust that you will be in good hands with Dr. Anderkvist and the rest of our team. Still, your best bet is always to hang onto your natural teeth. Fortunately, our preventive program can help keep you on-track. That said, you should be aware of the factors that contribute to tooth loss in adults and do your best to minimize your risk.
Keep reading to hear more about it, and then be sure to get in touch with our L.A. office to schedule your consultation.
Your Age
As we age, our bodies change, and unforeseen problems can develop. You might be surprised to learn that in regards to tooth loss the trouble risks can increase by your mid-30s. After that, it increases astronomically.
Your Gender
Sorry guys! It’s a fact that men tend to lose a lot more teeth than women. So, especially if you are 35 or older, you will need to be extra diligent as a man.
Your Hygiene Habits
If you don’t keep your teeth free of plaque bacteria you’re almost certain to end up with decay and gum disease that will lead to widespread tooth loss. So, brush, floss, and rinse regularly and come see us often, which relates to our next factor!
Your Dental Checkups
A good dentist’s office can give you the care you need to hang onto your teeth. Only about 13 percent of adults with tooth loss reported having a dental appointment within the prior six months. Your checkups could save your smile as well as your life. That’s because we can screen for cancer and other bad things every time you come in for a cleaning and oral exam.
Your Vices
Tobacco smoke is a big risk factor for gum disease as well as tooth loss. This is due to the fact that it changes the bacterial balance of your mouth. The hard truth is that if you’re a lifelong smoker it’s almost a sure thing that you’ll eventually need to replace some teeth.
Your Sugar
Folks with diabetes are at extreme risk for gum disease (which is in turn the leading cause of tooth loss).
Your Blood Pressure
Gum disease and high-blood pressure are definitely correlated but it seems to work in both directions.
Save Your Smile Today!
Preventive dental care at home, and regular visits to our office can go a long way toward making risk factors less likely to translate into real problems for you. It is recommended that new patients at Westwood Dental Smiles have complete Digital Dental X-rays taken, to be repeated every 3-5 years or depending on the patient’s history. That way we can stay in-tune with the situation in your mouth.
To learn more and get started, contact us today!
