Adult Dentistry in Calgary, AB
Regular scheduled dental appointments are necessary throughout our adult lives to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Waiting until it hurts is usually too late, pain usually indicated advanced decay leading to root canals, extractions, or advanced gum/bone loss. Bacteria in our mouth use carbohydrates (sugar) from our food to make energy, by making this energy, they produce waste in the form of acid. This acid attacks hard surfaces on teeth and cause cavities. This toxic waste can also cause bleeding gums and bone destruction around the tooth, this is called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss and needing dentures, bridges, or implants. These bacteria in your mouth can enter the bloodstream through inflamed, bleeding gums and be carried to the heart and brain. Here they can damage the lining of the small blood vessels, leading to blockage of the vessels, heart attack, or stroke can result from bleeding gums.
Things You Can do to Help Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush/floss twice a day for at least 2 minutes.
- Decrease sugar intake in diet.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or after you have been sick. Bacteria can linger on your toothbrush, finding their way back into the mouth next time the toothbrush is used.
- Drink high acidic (water with lemon) or high sugary beverages with a straw to help keep liquid touching the surface of your teeth.
- See your hygienist every 6 months for hygiene therapy to detect and treat gum infections and small cavities right away before they become larger problems.
- Drink water after eating.