Imagine what your face and smile would look like without your teeth. A scary thought for most people! Others simply can’t imagine the idea. But it could be the case if you are not taking care of your teeth. One day in the future that face looking back at you could be missing the teeth you so take for granted. Fear not – there is a solution! While you may not be able to retain your teeth, you can replace them. It’s not the same, but it can be a close substitute. If you don’t want this to be your future, take steps now to stop it.

The steps are easily accomplished. Brush 2-3 times a day, including after meals. Make sure that you are flossing when you brush. Make sure you are drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. It’s good for general health and vital for your teeth.

Make sure that you are eating a balanced diet – balance is the key. That means limiting the amount of coffee and sweets that you consume each day.

Make time to keep your regular dental appointments, and respond to any signs of trouble. Bleeding gums, pain in your teeth or gums, plaque build-up and swollen gums are all signs that you need to see your dentist promptly. Following these simple steps will give you the best chance at retaining those pretty teeth in your smile….rather than replacing them.

It’s easy to miss the first signs of gum disease. But the results of missing these signs can be disastrous. Gingivitis and peridontitis share some common symptoms. Among them are gums that are red and swollen and appear softer than normal. Both can show gums that sag and appear loose giving more space to the teeth. Both diseases will cause your breathe to smell bad. But that is where the commonalities end.

Gingivitis is recognized by symptoms such as gums that bleed without much pressure being applied or gums which bleed frequently when brushing. Gingivitis will also cause your gums to change color from pink to red.

Periodontitis will cause your teeth to loosen and produces a sour taste in the mouth. The biggest key to this disease is the space between teeth widening and the possibility of puss between your teeth and gums.

The last commonality between periodontitis and gingivitis is that they are both preventable and treatable. At the first sign of trouble call your dentist, and make sure to keep your regularly scheduled appointments every six months.

Whether an adult or a child, dental problems can arise.  Dental care should be practiced regularly from the time baby teeth emerge throughout your  life.

Bad breath can be an occasional affliction for anyone, caused simply by food consumed.  But if it’s a constant and ongoing problem it can be a sign of deeper issues and a dental professional should be consulted.

Cavities can happen to anyone regardless of age.  They are caused by the bacteria that live in your mouth attacking the tooth enamel.  It is absolutely important to keep your teeth clean, but even then cavities can occur.  They can be detected early and stopped by seeing your dentist regularly.

A toothache can be very minor and nothing to be upset by, but if it persists for more than 48 hours, call your dentist.  It can be a warning sign of a major problem.

Gum disease is another big problem.  Gingivitis and Periodontitis are both caused by the plaque present in everyone’s mouth.  Tenderness in your gums is a sign of possible gum disease, which is easiest to control if caught early.  If you suspect any type of gum issues, call your dentist immediately.

Finally, teeth erosion is caused by the acids in the food that we eat.  It is the washing away of the tooth enamel.  By limiting the amount of acidic food and beverages like coffee and sodas and rinsing the mouth after the consumption of acidic foods, you can help prevent erosion.  Brushing an hour after eating or drinking will also help keep your teeth healthy.

On the go and can’t brush?  Visit our earlier blog post on tips for keeping your teeth healthy when you’re away from home.  (http://wayzatadental.com/blog/?p=1572)