Prevention is the key to great oral health. Better diet, medical care, and other factors are allowing us to live longer lives. Unfortunately, our teeth have not adapted to our longer life span and need help to last as long as we do. If you want to have your teeth for your whole life, here is what to do:
- Brush, floss and use recommended dental aids correctly, at least once a day. Use fluoride-containing mouth rinse daily.
- Go to your dentist for re-care hygiene appointments at the intervals recommended by your doctor.
- Have radiographs done as your dentist deems necessary.
- Teeth age and wear, just like the rest of your body. The outer covering of hard enamel can get thin, break off, or wear through and expose the softer dentin. Dentin erodes very quickly. Exposed dentin needs to be covered and protected by your dentist.
- Have sealants placed on all teeth that can benefit from them.
- Don’t ask your dentist to “patch” anything. Patchwork dentistry is contrary to the concept of keeping your teeth trouble-free for a lifetime. If small repairs are possible and appropriate, your dentist will tell you.
- Choose the procedure or restorative material that will last you the longest. All dental materials have a life expectancy, after which time they fail and must be replaced. Each time a tooth is re-drilled, it gets weaker. Only solid, yellow gold could last for your entire life. Tooth-colored ceramics and porcelain may last as long. It is your choice.
- Bonded restorations (current state-of-the-art) require less drilling than silver fillings. Less drilling is good. The tooth retains more strength and the restoration lasts longer.
- Gum disease can start at any time. Genetics, diet, oral self-care, medications, and general health can all have an influence. Gum disease is both site-specific (most often starts in a localized area) and episodic (can begin at any time). It is also painless in its early stages. Gum disease, which can be spotted by your dentist, needs to be treated properly and immediately.
Follow the above recommendations for a lifetime of great oral health!
Star of Texas Dental Assisting School is now enrolling individuals who wish to become a certified Dental Assistant! Dental Assistants play an integral part in patients’ routine care and contribute to a lifetime of great oral health!
Call us today to sign up!
(512) 487-1547
