Ideally, taking good care of your smile by cleaning your teeth and gums consistently can help you prevent most of the issues that could potentially lead to tooth loss. However, many people still have to deal with tooth loss, and often, it’s for a reason that could have possibly been prevented (such as gum disease). The silver lining in that fact is that most cases of tooth loss can be prevented, and with the right level of care and maintenance at home, you can improve your chances of successfully avoiding it.

Give hygiene the attention it deserves

The most important aspect of preventing any oral health concern is to give your dental hygiene routine the attention that it deserves. The point of brushing and flossing your teeth isn’t just to make sure your breath is fresh, but to effectively remove the oral bacteria and food particles that accumulate on your teeth’s surfaces. This means you should clean your teeth in front of a well-lit mirror, where you can closely watch and make sure that you successfully clean every surface of them. You should also take note of how your teeth and gums look each time, and be diligent about noting any changes in their appearance that you see.

If you have a restoration, take care of it

Having a tooth previously restored due to a condition like tooth decay or tooth damage can leave it slightly more at-risk of being lost or having to be extracted later. The best way to mitigate that risk is to take excellent care of your restoration as well as your teeth, gums, and oral tissues. This means taking special care to keep the gum tissues around the tooth and restoration clear of harmful oral bacteria, as well as limiting any exposure to excess pressure, such as by grinding your teeth together.

If you have a dental emergency, schedule a visit

While many of the most common causes of tooth loss can be prevented, that may not be the case when a dental emergency strikes. Emergency dental situations can often include severe damage to a tooth, or even its avulsion (being knocked out of its socket). If treatment is sought soon enough, a custom restoration can help save the compromised tooth from being lost. Or, a knocked-out tooth may be replanted if your dentist is able to attempt it promptly.

Learn more about preventing tooth loss

There are good ways to prevent tooth loss, and many of them start with how well you take care of your teeth at home. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe and all neighboring communities.