They say that knowledge is power. In that spirit, Dr. Duffield and all of us here in Royal Oak, MI want to make sure you’re equipped with the information you need for your best oral health.
We love seeing you come in for your regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams. It’s a key part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. But your fight against dental problems like tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease doesn’t start and stop at Duffield Dentistry.
It’s a daily effort. That’s why we’re sharing some interesting facts about oral health that you can use each and every day so your smile gets healthy and stays that way.
The Leading Cause Of Adult Tooth Loss
Losing a tooth when you’re a kid is a big deal. It’s exciting. It means the tooth fairy is going to pay you a visit and that you’re one tooth closer to being all grown up. But losing a tooth as an adult is an entirely different thing.
Gum disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. Without tooth replacement, that empty space in your mouth threatens the structure and stability of everything around it. It can have a domino effect on your oral and overall health.
The Leading Chronic Disease Among Kids
Cavities are more common among children between the ages of 2 and 11 than any other health affliction. What makes this statistic so astonishing is that cavities can so easily be prevented! At Duffield Dentistry, we offer preventive services like dental sealants and fluoride treatments for patients of all ages to protect them from cavities and other dental problems.
The Hardest Substance In The Body Is In Your Mouth
It may surprise you to know that the hardest substance in your entire body lives in your mouth, ironically surrounded by some of the softest tissue you have. It’s tooth enamel, and believe it or not, it’s under attack everyday all day long.
The acids from your food and drinks, along with the sugars that feed the bad bacteria in your mouth, work together to eat away at your tooth enamel. This leaves you vulnerable to decay and infections.
What Hides Under Your Gumline
Only about one in five Americans admit that they floss everyday. This is a problem because over 30% of your tooth is actually under your gumline. The best way to keep your teeth clean is to use dental floss each day to dislodge food and other debris from those hard to reach areas.
Dental Implants Become Part Of Your Natural Jawbone
When it comes to tooth replacement, the dental implant is king. That’s because it acts like an artificial root that, over time, will fuse to your natural jawbone. No other tooth replacement does this, which is one of the reasons dental implants provide such strength and stability.
The Connection Between Oral And Overall Health
The research out there showing a connection between oral and overall health is overwhelming, and it continues to pour in. While experts may not all agree about the nature of causal relationships between things like gum disease and diabetes, for example, the fact is the state of your teeth and gums has much to do with countless other things going on in your body.
That’s why it’s so important to focus on your total wellness, from oral hygiene to nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
The Sleep Apnea Stat That May Surprise You
Nearly one in five people suffer from a condition called sleep apnea, where you frequently stop breathing while you sleep. While sleep apnea doesn’t discriminate who it affects, studies suggest that men and those who are overweight are more at risk than other demographics. If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, call our Royal Oak dental office today to schedule an appointment!
The Five Minutes Your Mouth Needs Everyday
If you brush your teeth twice a day, you might think that’s enough to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. But the fact is, you should be brushing for two minutes each time, and you should be flossing at least once for about a minute each day.
That means if you’re not spending around five minutes a day on keeping your mouth clean, you might want to step up your oral hygiene game!
Finally, you should be visiting our team at Duffield Dentistry at least twice a year for those dental checkups! Call our Royal Oak dental office at (248) 721-4502 or fill out our online form for an appointment.