9 Ways to Brush Off Tooth Loss

1. Take care of yourself. Hennepin County Medical Center’s Mary Seieroe says that many people with chronic diseases also have poor dental health because their immune systems are compromised and they have to take medications that dry out the mouth, decreasing the buffering effects of saliva against the corrosive effects of acid. While many factors that cause illness are beyond control, do what you can to keep fit. “People take for granted how much your general health affects your teeth,” Seieroe says.

2. Go easy on brushing. Most people brush their teeth too aggressively, which wears away the enamel on the teeth and exposes the roots, says Smiles @ France’s David Cook. One solution, he says, is to use a power-assisted toothbrush such as those by Sonicare or Braun Oral-B. “The less expensive ones don’t work very well,” he says. “You really have to get a top-of-the-line brush.”

3. See your dentist regularly. Whether your dentist wants to see you every few months or once a year, make sure to keep your appointments. Much tooth loss is due to periodontal disease and decay that wasn’t taken care of in time, Seieroe says. “A lot of times, it’s somewhat related to a fear of dentistry,” she says. “They know they have a problem, but they’re afraid to go in and get it taken care of.” Such people should be comforted to know that more effective anesthetics and an emphasis on patient comfort have made dentistry less intimidating.

4. Give your toothbrush the boot. Throw away your toothbrush when the bristles begin to flare, usually every three to six months. Some dentists also recommend you throw it out after you’ve been ill.

5. Wash away the pain. Teeth tend to get more sensitive with age, partly because not as much saliva is being produced and many people are taking antidepressants or heart medications that worsen the problem. Without saliva to wash away acid, it concentrates and contributes to decay. People with sensitive teeth may need to avoid tartar-control toothpaste and the enamel-eroding grit found in regular toothpaste. Instead, Cook suggests they brush with a fluoride mouthwash, Sensodyne toothpaste, or one of the prescription fluoride toothpastes that are made without grit. In-office fluoride treatments can also help reduce sensitivity.

6. Stop sipping. Drinking pop—even diet pop—contributes to the acidic environment that promotes tooth decay. Another reason to stick to water: colas, coffee, and iced tea darken the teeth, which is not only unsightly but also contributes to the urge to overbrush.

7. Don’t ignore heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common problem that is often called heartburn. The same stomach acid that washes up into the esophagus also splashes up into the back of the mouth. “The acid presoftens the enamel of the tooth, and when you put the toothbrush on it, it’s brushed away,” Cook says. If you have frequent heartburn, see your doctor for treatment and ask your dentist about in-office fluoride treatments.

8. Leave the daily grind behind. If you clench or grind your teeth, seek help from your dentist or orthodontist. Chronic clenchers and grinders wear down their teeth, which eventually become cracked, chipped, and wear away. An expert can figure out what’s causing the problem. “It’s a big trend that we’re seeing becoming more important,” says Cook. The U of M’s Brent Larson says, “There are many options these days for treatment, and it’s important to have a good diagnosis to determine what the problem really is.”

9. Seek the best. Find a good dentist who keeps up with the latest advances in diagnostics and treatment and, just as important, makes you feel at ease in the chair.