It’s estimated that by the time they reach age 74, 69% of people have lost at least one permanent tooth. That’s why it’s important to take steps now to protect your teeth and avoid tooth loss in the future. Let’s look at what you can do to keep your teeth healthy and strong as you get older.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits

The best way to protect your teeth is to maintain good oral hygiene habits. This means brushing twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Additionally, it is important that older adults get regular dental checkups every six months so that any problems can be caught early on and treated before they become more serious issues. Regular checkups also give dentists an opportunity to provide patients with personalized tips on how best to take care of their own teeth and gums.

Stay Away From Harmful Substances

Substances like tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and certain medications can all cause harm to your teeth over time. Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease and increases the severity of periodontal diseases in older adults; alcohol can dry out the mouth leading to increased decay; drug use has been linked with higher rates of periodontal disease; and certain medications can lead to dry mouth which increases the risk of cavities due to decreased saliva production. It’s important that older adults avoid these substances in order to minimize their chances of losing teeth as they age.

Eat A Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet is essential for keeping your teeth strong throughout life. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables helps keep your gums healthy while avoiding sugary snacks helps reduce plaque buildup on your teeth which can lead to cavities and other dental problems over time. Limiting drinks that are high in sugar content such as sodas or juices will also help reduce plaque buildup on the enamel of your teeth which helps prevent cavities from forming. So make sure you eat a balanced diet full of healthy foods!

In conclusion, taking steps now towards maintaining good oral hygiene habits, avoiding harmful substances like tobacco or drugs, and eating a healthy diet are all key components in preventing tooth loss as you age. These steps will help ensure that your pearly whites stay strong well into old age! If you need more information about how best to protect your teeth from decay or cavities as you get older, make sure you contact our office today for an appointment where we would be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about how best to protect yourself from tooth loss as you age!

Dr. Josh Eastham of High Desert Dental is passionate about helping his patients achieve and maintain great oral health. Dr. Eastham offers both teeth cleanings and restorative consultations to patients in the High Desert area. He takes a holistic approach to dentistry, which means that he looks at the whole person – not just their teeth. This allows him to provide the best possible care for his patients. Contact High Desert Dental today to schedule a teeth cleaning or a restorative consultation with Dr. Eastham.