Many people believe that losing teeth as you get older is just a part of life, but that’s not necessarily true. If you want to keep all your teeth into old age, you can, if you follow some key steps.
### Rule 1: Eat a Healthy Diet
Like every part of your body, your teeth need the right nutrition to stay strong. Calcium is particularly important. While dairy products are a great source of calcium, you can also get it from broccoli, kale, spinach, soybeans, and certain types of fish.
Cut back on processed sugars and acidic foods—especially sodas, which have both sugar and acid. Some foods, like yogurt, can actually help protect your teeth by reducing your risk of periodontal disease, a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
### Rule 2: Practice Healthy Eating Habits
It’s not just about what you eat; how you eat matters too. Try to eat regular meals and limit snacking, especially on carb-heavy snacks that feed oral bacteria, leading them to produce acids that can harm your teeth and gums.
Consider ending your meals with a crunchy fruit or vegetable to help clean your teeth naturally. Sugar-free gum can also help. If you consume soda or acidic foods, rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize damage to your enamel.
### Rule 3: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential for removing plaque, which harbors bacteria that produce harmful acids. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Spend at least two minutes brushing each time. Using a timer, or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer, can help ensure you brush thoroughly. Make sure to floss around each tooth and get to the base to remove as much plaque as possible.
### Rule 4: Visit the Dentist Regularly
Regular dental check-ups, ideally twice a year, are crucial for maintaining oral health. Your dentist can:
– Remove hardened plaque (tartar) that you can’t remove at home.
– Offer advice to improve your oral hygiene routine if needed.
– Address minor issues before they become major problems.
These visits are key to keeping your teeth healthy for a lifetime.
### Rule 5: Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
While our ancestors might have used their teeth for various tasks, there’s no need to do so today. Avoid using your teeth to open bottles, crack nuts, or break ice, as these actions can cause damage. Even minor damage can create spaces for food and bacteria, leading to bigger problems. Major damage can weaken your teeth or even cause them to break.
### Rule 6: Protect Your Teeth from Sports Injuries
Tooth loss from sports injuries is common, so wear a mouthguard if you play sports. A custom-fitted mouthguard made by your dentist offers the best protection, especially if your teeth are uneven. Over-the-counter mouthguards or boil-and-bite types are less effective.
### Rule 7: When All Else Fails, Replace Them
If you do lose teeth, modern dentistry provides options for replacement. Dental implants are anchored directly into your jawbone and function just like real teeth. They look natural too, so only your dentist will know if your perfect smile has had a little help.
By following these steps, you can keep your teeth healthy and intact throughout your life.