Can I really keep my teeth for life?

In 2014 the percentage of adults with 21 or more natural teeth has risen to 86% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In 1978, this was as low as 68% in Northern Ireland.
Only 6% of adults have no natural teeth. In 1978 this figure was as high as 37% in Wales.

No-one wants to have false teeth and, with proper care you can keep your teeth for your entire lifetime. 

Why will I lose my teeth?

There are a number of reasons why you may loose a tooth.
• A tooth may be too badly damaged, from trauma or decay that it can no longer be saved.
• If tooth decay extends to the nerves and blood vessels the bacteria in the mouth can cause an infection. Your dentist can perform a Root canal Treatment, but if the infection is so severe that antibiotics or RCT do not clear the infection, extraction may be your only option.
• When your teeth are crowded your Orthodontist might recommend to remove teeth to make space to align the remaining teeth.
• Risk of infection. If your immune system is compromised (for example, if you are receiving chemotherapy or are having an organ transplant) even the risk of infection in a particular tooth may be reason enough to remove the tooth.
• Gum Disease. Many people still associate loose teeth with aging when in fact this a late symptom of undiagnosed and untreated advanced gum disease (periodontal disease). Gum disease can be controlled and is entirely preventable if caught early.

What do I have to do to keep my teeth for life?

1. See your dentist for a thorough examination and individual advice that directly relates to your dental health. Your dentist will give you oral health advice and what treatment is necessary to get you dental health on the right track.
2. Use teeth only for their intended purpose! This means no opening beer bottle tops and tearing sellotape!
3. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Ask your dentist to discuss how to reach difficult places and show you to correctly clean the spaces between the teeth.
4.Limit sugary drink and snacks. Researchers at Newcastle University are urging people to cut their sugar intake to just five teaspoons a day if they would like to keep their teeth for life.
5. Avoid drinking too many soft drinks or fruit juice.
6. Drink Sparkling water in moderation, as your teeth are constantly being bathed in a weak acid solution containing carbon dioxide.
7.Don’t eat lots of sour foods or sweets.
8. Get treatment form your dentist for your dry mouth or low saliva volume. Saliva helps prevent decay by neutralising acids and washing away leftover food in the mouth.
9. If you suffer from Acid reflux or heartburn., rinse your mouth as stomach acids in the mouth, can erode your enamel.

The old adage remains the same: preventionis better than cure.

Whether or not you keep your teeth for a lifetime is 98% determined by YOU!