4 Ways to Care for Your Teeth As You Get Older

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As you age, so do your teeth. The older your teeth get, the more susceptible they are to certain conditions and injuries. When you start to age, you can help protect your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, managing tooth sensitivity, and other activities.

Your dentist in University Heights, OH can help. At Innovative Smiles, we provide treatment to patients of all ages to help them maintain healthy teeth throughout their lives. Dental care is important! Below are many things you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

1. Brush and Floss Regularly

If you haven’t developed a habit of brushing twice daily and flossing every day, now is the time. Brushing your teeth twice per day helps keep your teeth free from plaque and tartar. If you can, use an electric toothbrush to brush your teeth.

The next time you come to the dentist’s office for a tooth exam and cleaning, ask your dentist to give you a tutorial on proper toothbrushing techniques. If you brush too hard, you could be causing gum recession and tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can show you the right way to brush and which techniques to use.

2. Manage Tooth Sensitivity

Many people experience increased tooth sensitivity as they age. You can control this problem by taking good care of your teeth and by brushing with tooth sensitivity toothpaste. Ask your dentist to recommend a brand of toothpaste that would be appropriate for your teeth.

3. See the Dentist Regularly

Most people need to see the dentist every six months. Unless your dentist has directed you to do otherwise, see your dentist twice annually to have your teeth cleaned and examined by your dental professional.

4. Know the Signs of a Dental Problem

Know the signs of a dental problem and when to get help from a dentist. Watch for problems such as:

  • Severe tooth pain
  • Broken or cracked teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Bad breath that won’t go away even when you brush your teeth.

If you’re having any of the problems above, make an appointment for a dental exam in University Heights, OH.

3 Things to Know About Maintaining Implants

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If you’re missing a tooth, your dentist may recommend dental implants to fill the gap and restore your smile. Dental implants are a very popular type of prosthetic tooth because they look natural and they function much like your other natural teeth.

Once your dental implant is installed, your dentist at Innovative Smiles will tell you what you need to know about maintaining your dental implant. Taking good care of your implant can help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Dental Implants Need Regular Brushing

Dental implants need to be brushed regularly, just like your natural teeth. To brush your dental implants, you’ll use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Watch out for toothpaste designed for smokers, stain-removing toothpaste, products containing activated charcoal or baking soda, and toothpaste that says they’re made for whitening or brightening your smile. These toothpastes can scratch up your dental implant, causing permanent damage to the surface of the crown.

2. You’ll Visit Your Dentist Twice Annually

Continue to visit the dentist twice annually after your implants are installed. During your visits, the dentist will inspect your implants for signs of damage, and if they are damaged, your dentist will recommend repairs or replacement, depending on the problem.

During your visits with the dentist, you’ll also be given an opportunity to ask questions about how to maintain your dental implants. Your dentist will show you how to brush and floss around your implants to ensure that they’re well cared for.

3. Know the Signs of a Problem

Once your dental implant is installed, it’s important to know the signs of a problem. If your dental implant starts to fail, here’s what you can expect:

  • Pain around the site of the implant
  • Swelling or discomfort around the implant
  • Gum recession around the implant
  • Implant is loose

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, this could be a sign that your dental implant is failing. If this happens, it’s time to see the dentist.