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Ten Dental Health Mistakes Of Women Over 35
According
to Dr. Peter Urbanik at Brookview Dental in Sylvania, Ohio,
women over the age of thirty-five can make similar missteps
in caring for their dental health. Dr. Urbanik cites the following
list of mistakes as those he routinely sees during the course
of his practice.
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1. Infrequent
check-ups. Twice yearly cleanings and oral screenings are
essential for individuals of all ages. For women over thirty-five,
this bi-yearly check-up becomes even more important in the
prevention of teeth, gum, and mouth disease. Women need to
understand the impact minor lapses have upon their overall
dental and physical health. Even flossing incorrectly can
precipitate gum disease, which left untreated, will eventually
bring on unnecessary tooth loss.
2. Consuming too much caffeine in one's daily diet. People
may realize that coffee and tea are staining to the teeth;
however, most do not understand that excessive caffeine contributes
to grinding of the teeth as well.
3. Misses the connection between headaches and dentistry.
If you have frustrating headaches and are having trouble getting
resolution from your physician, ask a dentist for a consultation
for TMJ.
4. Failing to see the importance of replacing missing back
teeth. Whenever a tooth is removed, the empty space needs
to be filled with a replacement. Otherwise, the bite will
cave in and cause premature aging of the face even when an
individual's teeth are not visible.
5. Underestimating the ease of straightening teeth with today's
treatment options such as invisalign or clear orthodontics.
Invisalign is an orthodontic tooth straightening system based
on removable see-through retainers instead of braces and wires.
The length of treatment depends on the severity of the case,
but can be as brief as three months.
6. Lack of proactive steps to prevent wear. Bite guards play
a key part in maintaining healthy teeth and gums by preventing
undo stress as a result of grinding. Women who grind their
teeth without the protective benefit of a night guard will
prematurely lose the youthful curve of their teeth as they
become worn and take on a flat appearance.
7. Not whitening stained or discolored teeth. Bleaching is
now inexpensive and very effective. It is also one of the
simplest methods to enhance and emphasize a person's smile.
8. Neglecting to see the connection between smoking and good
oral health. Beyond the negative aesthetics of stained and
discolored teeth, women who smoke mask worsening gum problems
that can result in premature (and preventable) tooth loss.
9. Still smoking! Not deterred by the cautions cited above?
Then consider this warning: mouth, throat, and tongue cancer.
10. Does not smile enough. "Happiness is what life is
all about," says Dr. Urbanik. So, put that set of multi-functional
hardware to its best use by sharing universal goodwill in
the simplest way...offering a heartfelt smile.
About
the Author:
Michele
Howe is a book reviewer for Publishers Weekly, FaithfulReader.com,
Aspiring Retail and has published over 900 articles/reviews.
She works as a manuscript critique editor for the Christian
Communicator and writes on women's health issues for the Toledo
Free Press, Monroe Journal, CBN.com, SingleMom.com, ParentSuperSite.com,
CatholicMom.com, and Radiant among other publications. Howe
has also published eight books for women including: Going
It Alone: Meeting the Challenges of Being a Single Mom ,
Prayers
for Homeschool Moms,
Prayers
for New and Expecting Moms,
Prayers
of Comfort and Strength,
Prayers
to Nourish a Woman's Heart,
Successful
Single Moms,
and Pilgrim
Prayers for Single Mothers.
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