How to Avoid Tooth Loss

Nowadays, most people will maintain their natural teeth over their entire lifetime. Following these nine dental care tips can help ensure you're part of that lucky majority:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste.

2. Take care of your teeth and gums. Thorough tooth brushing and flossing to reduce dental plaque can prevent gingivitis.

3. Avoid tobacco. Tobacco use in any form increases the risk for gum disease, oral and throat cancers, and oral fungal infection (candidiasis).

4. Limit alcohol. When used alone, alcohol is a risk factor for oral cancers. When used in combination with tobacco, the effects are even greater.

5. Eat wisely. Avoid sugary or starchy snacks and aim for five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

6. Visit the dentist regularly. Checkups can detect early signs of oral health problems and lead to treatments that will prevent further damage.

7. Diabetic patients should work to maintain control of their disease. An increased risk of gum disease is a complication of diabetes.

8. If medications produce a dry mouth, ask your doctor if there are other drugs that can be substituted. If not, drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, and avoid tobacco and alcohol.

9. Before beginning any treatment for cancer, have an oral health checkup. Radiation to the head or neck and/or chemotherapy may cause problems for your teeth and gums.

[Psalmist4M]

on 8/30/2008 Great info and well written. Thanks 5*s

[taskeinc]

on 8/8/2008 good article .. thanks for sharing