Oral health is an important part of your overall well-being. If your mouth, gums and teeth are in poor condition, your general quality of life and your ability to eat, speak, and socialize can be affected.
Dental health deteriorates as you get older. The older you are the more likely you are to have decayed, missing or filled-in teeth.
What can you do to maintain the health of your teeth, mouth and gums?
Missing Teeth
If you are missing teeth, don’t wait to replace them. You have several options when it comes to missing teeth.
Dental Implants are false teeth that are permanently attached to the jaw. It is a safe procedure and has a very high success rate. Dental implants most closely resemble the natural look and feel of your original teeth.
Small titanium screws are placed into the bone. These posts allow a crown, bridge or denture to be attached. Implants require at least three visits to your dentist.
The initial visit is a consultation and examination to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. The 2nd visit will be to place the posts. The 3rd visit takes place 3 – 4 months later. The implant site needs time to heal. The dentist also has to prepare your crown.
Many excellent dentists can do dental implants on Sunshine Coast.
A dental bridge is another way to address missing teeth. A bridge is a false tooth held in place by the teeth on either side. Dental crowns are placed on those teeth with the false tooth (or teeth) attached.
Dentures are a set of removable false teeth. They commonly include the entire set of upper or lower teeth, rather than just one or a few.
If you are a good fit for dental implants, they are considered to be the best option for dealing with missing teeth.
If you allow missing teeth to go untreated, it can lead to other issues including periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is common in Australia. Three in every ten adults have moderate to severe gum disease. Gum disease is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, strokes, diabetes and more.
Gum disease happens when the tissue surrounding and supporting your teeth becomes inflamed. It is caused by plaque, which is a sticky layer of germs that builds up on teeth and along the gum line. The germs irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed and bleed easily.
The early stages of gum disease are reversible, but if left untreated it can lead to more serious disease and infection.
Mild-stage gum disease can be treated by scaling and root planing. It is a cleaning procedure done by a qualified hygienist that cleans deeper beneath your gums. It removes plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush and flossing can’t.
Overall health requires you to take care of your mouth and gums. If you want to live a long and healthy life, pay attention to what’s happening to your teeth and gums. If you check out this dentist in Manchester MO, they’ll recommend visiting your dentist twice a year, and not only when you already have dental issues like missing teeth.
A healthy lifestyle demands good health for your mouth as well as the rest of your body.
We are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice and we cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.