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Like most things in life, our teeth wear down the more we use them. The older we get, the more dental problems we are likely to encounter. With that in mind, here are five simple steps you can take to help you hang on to your pearly whites. 1. Learn About Dental Care They might not grab many headlines, but major advances in family dentistry have changed the profession. The dentists of today are far less likely to recommend extensive dental work than they were in the past. Instead, they take a more conservative approach that focuses on preventative care. For example, they might recalcify a small cavity instead of filling it or perform dental restoration on fillings and crowns as needed. Because they are trained to handle dental issues during each stage of life, we recommend seeing a family dentist instead of a general one. 2. Use An Electric Toothbrush There are two reasons most dental professionals tell their patients to use electric toothbrushes: one, most people don't know how to brush with a manual brush; two, most people don't brush for the recommended two minutes. Electric brushes are easier to operate and encourage longer brushing times. If you haven't made the switch to an electric model, we suggest buying one with a timer to ensure proper brushing duration. 3. Floss, Floss, Floss! According to a recent survey, only about 50 percent of American adults floss at least once a day. Although tedious and occasionally uncomfortable, flossing helps remove dental plaque, which is the leading cause of gum disease and tooth decay. There is really no secret or trick to flossing; you simply have to do it. Removing food particles and other deposits can dramatically reduce your risk of developing periodontal disorders. 4. See Your Dentist As important as at-home dental care may be, it cannot and should not take the place of regular dental checkups. You should see your dentist at least once a year (but preferably twice) for a scheduled exam and cleaning. As we mentioned, we prefer family dentistry to general dentistry because it focuses on patients of all ages. Many patients end up seeing the same dentist for decades, which encourages a lifetime of healthy oral care habits. 5. Limit Snacking As your mother and your dentist always told you, sugar is bad for your teeth. The sweet treat is used as a fuel for the chemical reaction that causes cavities. Because it is plentiful and cheap, sugar is the primary ingredient in most snack foods. An unhealthy American pastime, constant snacking on sugary foods means that your teeth are under nonstop assault from inimical invaders that will eventually wear them down. To reduce the risk of cavities and other oral issues, it is best to cut down on snacking and to always brush after you eat. Family dentistry provides the preventative maintenance and procedures needed to keep teeth looking and feeling healthy over a lifetime. When considering family dentistry, Kalamazoo residents visit RoseWood Dental PLC. Learn more about them at http://www.rosewooddentistry.com.
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