You might think that it is a right of passage in old age to have loose teeth and to lose some of your teeth. While this is still a common problem for aging adults, the statistics for this have lowered since the 1970’s. Why pay attention to those statistics? Well, they show that there are ways you can prevent loose teeth or lessen the probability for you.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH) tracks tooth loss in Americans. The latest statistics show that 27 percent of seniors over age 65 have no remaining teeth and 31 percent of seniors over the age of 75 have no remaining teeth.

Your oral health is tied to your overall health. Taking care of your teeth and gums is just as important as getting a regular physical.

As startling as those statistics may be, there are things you can do to maintain excellent oral health and protect yourself from loose teeth as you age. It is important to remember that your oral health is tied to your overall health. Taking care of your teeth and gums is just as important as getting a regular physical.

Six Tips For Good Oral Health And Prevention Of Loose Teeth

Visit your dentist regularly for a dental check up. Not only are your teeth and gums cleaned, the dentist checks you for other issues like gum disease which can affect other areas of your health. Gum disease is a prime culprit for loose teeth.
It is important to brush your teeth twice daily. You may want to use a brush with soft bristles to prevent damage to your gums, which can weaken as you age. You could also try an electric toothbrush which may boost your cleaning power.
Remember that cleaning your teeth should include your dentures, full or partial. It is important that they are cleaned daily.
Floss between your teeth at least once per day with a flossing tool or floss. It is necessary to prevent gum disease by keeping the areas between your teeth clean.
Drinking water with fluoride can help prevent tooth decay or you can use a fluoride rinse. Most regular tap water has fluoride in it.
Stop smoking. Smoking is one of the number one culprits associated with losing teeth as you age. In addition to increasing the likelihood of tooth loss, the habit puts you at a higher risk for gum disease and tooth decay.

Loose Teeth Need Immediate Care

When you have a loose tooth it is important that you immediately contact your dentist for an appointment. It doesn’t matter what the reason for the loose tooth is, but you should know the issue will not resolve itself. The need to see your dentist immediately includes teeth that are broken as well.

Some loose teeth can be treated and saved. If you have loose teeth due to grinding your teeth, this could be treated with the use of mouth guards. If you have a loose tooth due to an accident or gum issues, the tooth can be splinted until it has time to heal, thus saving the tooth.

Your dentist can also help with loose teeth brought on by different types of gum diseases and the common cavity. The cavity can be treated and filled, and a treatment plan can be created for the type of gum disease with which you are diagnosed.

How Can I Replace A Lost Tooth?

If it comes to having to lose a tooth or have it pulled, there are solutions for this as well.

Some people think it is no big deal if you don’t replace a tooth and live with a hole in your gum, especially if it doesn’t show when you smile or speak. When you have that gap, it can result in issues that include the deterioration of your jaw, gum disease, and crooked teeth.

One popular solution for lost teeth is a dental implant. The most ingenious part of the dental implant is that it can stimulate bone growth and prevent further bone loss. In effect, they prevent the deterioration of your jaw. The implants generally can last a lifetime especially when you have a good oral health regimen.

Dental implants are created with strong titanium and when inserted into your jaw, they become or replace the tooth root. The implant will actually bond to the bone of your jaw after which a support post is attached to the implant. The last step involves covering the implant and support post with a crown designed to blend in with your teeth. You can replace one tooth, multiple teeth or even a whole set of teeth just with implants.

You can maintain excellent oral health and protect yourself from loose teeth as you age with good oral care habits and regular dental visits.

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By following the tips for maintaining excellent oral health, you can impact the future of your teeth as you age by following a good regimen. This combined with regular dental visits can keep you on target for healthy teeth and gums. If you end up needing help with a loose tooth, it is reassuring to know that your dentist will have solutions on hand to help get your smile bright again soon.