Your smile is important to our dental team, no matter your age. Thus, we encourage you to take excellent care of your teeth and gums every day! It is possible to maintain a healthy, natural smile your entire lifespan. Here are some reminders of how to take care of your smile as you age.
First, clean your teeth and gums thoroughly every day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean every surface of your teeth and gum tissues. This should take about two minutes. Use very gentle pressure–think “massage” more than “scrub.”
You should also floss your teeth once daily for two to three minutes. If flossing has become difficult for you, talk with your dentist about alternatives to traditional flossing, such as pre-strung flossers or a water flosser.
You’ve heard it before, but you’ll hear it again: stop using tobacco products. Not only is tobacco use horrendous for your overall health, it also promotes tooth decay and is one of the leading risk factors for gum disease. The best thing you can do for your smile–and your overall health–is to quit using tobacco of any kind.
For more information on how to maintain a healthy smile at every age, call Douglas M. Adel, DDS, P.A. in Alachua, Florida, at 386-462-4635. Dr. Adel and our team look forward to making your smile radiant!