Tips to Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums
It is important to practice good oral hygiene every day to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This is especially important as the mouth is often a window that shows other potential health problems throughout the rest of the body.
The health of a person's mouth, teeth, and gums can reflect that person's overall health and wellness. Certain conditions and medications can result in an increased risk for gum disease, tooth decay, receding gum line, and tooth loss.
Many of these factors result in a decrease in oral hygiene practices in the elderly population. An increase in consumption of sweet and sugary foods also contributes to increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Also, many of the elderly do not have adequate health insurance coverage and do not see the dentist as often as they should. Medications may decrease the amount of saliva produced, which further leads to greater risk of oral health problems.
It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene all through life. Brush twice a day and floss daily, using a mouth rinse if needed. Drink water following meals to help reduce acids and sugars that remain on the teeth and gums. See our dentist at least twice a year for exams and professional cleanings to reduce the risk of problems.
If you need an appointment for a dental examination, our dentist in North Hollywood can check for potential problems to keep your mouth healthy.