7 Steps to Take Now to Avoid Dental Implants Later

STEPS TO TAKE NOW TO AVOID DENTAL IMPLANTS LATER PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE CALENDAR • Brush your teeth at least twice each day with a soft-bristled brush • Visit your dentist on a regular basis for thorough cleanings and exams • Floss every day to remove food particles stuck between teeth AVOID TOBACCO • Tobacco use causes many health problems, including oral health issues • Smoking promotes increased tartar buildup, which can lead to decay • Tobacco increases your risk for gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss EAT A SHEALTHY DIET • Choose lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and nuts to help strengthen enamel • Stay away from sugary foods that give bacteria fuel to grow • Reach for crunchy fruits and veggies instead of starchy snacks, like chips DRINK PLENTY 4 OF WATER • Water helps wash away acids and debris left behind from eating • Drinking water is a better option than drinking sodas, sports drinks, and juices • Fluoride in water helps strengthen teeth against decay PLAY 5 IT SAFE • Teeth can crack, break, or be knocked out, leading to the need for implants • Wear a mouthguard if you play any sports with the potential for contact • If you grind your teeth at night, wear a guard to prevent wear and tear DON'T IGNORE O TOOTH PAIN НEY! •A toothache could be a sign of a larger problem • Untreated abscesses can cause infections that lead to the need for extractions • Decay that is allowed to progress untreated could turn into an abscess FIGHT I GUM DISEASE • Gum disease is reversible in its earliest stages • Visit your dentist if you suspect you might have gum disease • If it progresses, it can cause teeth to shift and even fall out INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY: REDFEARN REDFEARN FAMILY DENTAL wwW.REDFEARNDENTAL..COM Sources: http://healthy-familys.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-avoid-needing-dental-implan ts.html http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/smoking-oral-health http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/diet-oral-health http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/mouth-guards http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/toothaches http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/gums-problems-gingivitis