How well do you care for your teeth? Are you afraid of having dentures one day?

United States
February 24, 2007 6:12am CST
I work in a rehab center/nursing home where I see scores of people with dentures and horrible teeth, or no teeth at all. Working with this population has really made me more aware of the need for dental health - I do not want to have to wake up each morning and pull my teeth out of a cup! lol I do see several people, even in their 90's who still have their teeth -- their secret? They brush at least once, and usually twice a day, they floss their teeth, AND they went to the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and check up. I was wondering how many people who still have their teeth are worried about the future or do you think getting dentures is just inevitable?
3 people like this
4 responses
• United States
24 Feb 07
Yes I am obsessive about caring for my teeth. It's mostly a vanity thing, though-- I think yellow teeth are nasty so I brush, floss and use whitening rinse every day.
2 people like this
• United States
24 Feb 07
lol yes there is nothing to call "negative" attention to yourself like a big yellow (or toothless) smile! lol I really notice a person's smile and bad teeth are not a good first impression -- Sounds like you'll be one that'll be keeping your teeth for a long time! :o)
1 person likes this
@ekwits (510)
• Thailand
24 Feb 07
Teeth is really important organ and if you get a tooth decay and pus in gum ridge. It would affect you by recieving diseases like kids not gonna grow up, psoriasis, have a pain in the bone and so many diseases. so that's why we need to take care of our teeth since you were kid until you grow up adultly. A TOOH DECAY would be occured when we have disease plus sugar and food particles that makes ''PLAQUE'' happens. PLAQUE will destroy your teeth between gum ridge so everyone should brush ur teeth after eating everytime. Importantly, we should eat vegetables because it's healthy for teeth, and less of tooth decay. Instead of Brushing teeth, you should clean up your teeth by using ''FLOSS'' not the toothpick because it's gonna make teeth stay apart together. AND GUM RIDGE IS ALSO IMPORTANT! because it's the organ that makes u have the strong teeth. To maintain your gum ridge, after you finished brush your teeth, Don't forget using your finger to clean up your gum ridge by rubbing. you know what if you do what I told you everyday your teeth and gum ridge is gonna be more stronger and healthy. you're gonna have your teeth in your mouth such a long time until you old..so keep watching about this, and maintain it real well and it's gonna stay with you forever and ever!! SO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I DO CARE ON THIS REAL IMPORTANT THING, AND I'M NOT AFRAID OF IT BECAUSE I KEEP DOING WHAT I TOLD EVERY ONE TO DO. THEY ALSO WANNA STAY WITH U FOREVER IF U LOVE THEM AND TAKE CARE THEM NICELY! HAVE FUN IN HERE AND ENJOY! Thank you all. =)
1 person likes this
@hopeful28 (1439)
• Singapore
25 Feb 07
I am definitely afraid that one day I may lose most of my teeth and have to wear dentures. In fact, this is the motivating factor that moves me to brush my teeth every time I feel that it is dirty. So, I try to keep it squeaky clean as often as possible. However, I don't go for regular dentist visits because it's so costly here, unless I have a cavity or toothache. My dad has to wear dentures and he can't eat foods that are too tough to chew. So, that also is a constant reminder for me to take care of my teeth.
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
24 Feb 07
I try to take good care of my teeth. I was going twice per year to get them cleaned until I left my job. I haven't had any insurance since then. I am going to go to the dentist this year and get them cleaned again. I'm not afraid of dentures but I like nice teeth and don't want any cavities any time soon. I hate toothaches.