Having your tooth extracted can hurt your self-esteem, especially if it is one of your front teeth. In many cases, teeth are extracted because they are damaged beyond restoration. Poor oral habits and accidents are some reasons you may have to extract a tooth. Here are tips to avoid tooth extraction.

Tooth Sealants 

One recent study established that molars are the most extracted type of teeth. This includes mandibular and maxillary molars. These back teeth are primarily extracted because of cavities, periodontal disease, and complications after endodontic treatments.

Molars provide a chewing surface that enables you to grind food. Therefore, they wear out quickly. Suppose food debris is left between or on molars, acids, and sugars that remain start to eat away your enamel. Over time, this causes a cavity.

Brushing and flossing may not be able to remove food debris trapped in the crevices of your mouth. This is the reason you should use tooth sealants. Sealants are protective coatings that your dentist can apply to your chewing surfaces. The protective barrier provided by these coatings helps prevent decay caused by bacteria.

Early Treatment of Gum Recession 

Another condition that can cause tooth loss is gum recession. This is caused by diminished gum tissue and a retraction of the gingival margin from your teeth. If you neglect this problem, the bone and tissues that support your teeth will get damaged, leading to tooth loss.

To prevent tooth loss, visit a dentist when you notice receding gums. While gum grafting is one of the techniques used to address gum recession, many people prefer a modern non-invasive treatment called the pinhole surgical technique. With this procedure, your receding gums will be repaired without any pain. Furthermore, this treatment has a fast recovery time.

Practicing Oral Hygiene

Good oral health practices prevent decay and other severe teeth conditions. This includes minimizing your intake of sugary foods and drinks. Drinking sufficient water to facilitate your saliva's mouth-cleansing activity is also essential. Also, you should brush and floss your mouth at least twice daily or after every meal.

Other measures you should take include fluoride treatments and regular visits to the dentist. You should visit a dentist at least twice yearly for a comprehensive oral checkup. During the checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and treat any dental problems before they worsen. Additionally, your dentist will perform deep teeth cleaning. This procedure helps remove plaque, which is the primary cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

Speak to your dentist to learn more.