FOR OUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS, it was a lot less likely that somebody could keep their healthy, natural teeth over their entire lifetime. Fortunately, today’s remarkable technologies and advanced materials, coupled with Dr. Brei’s artistic eye and extensive training, greatly increase the likelihood that you’ll not only keep, but love your smile for life! When we visit with our valued patients and friends, we recognize that making decisions about denta treatments isn’t easy. To help you better understand dental service decision making, we’ve set up a simple little framework. We want you to always know that every choice is up to you; we just hope that this will help bring additional clarity to your decision making. We want to be sure you have good information.
For purposes of this series of blog posts, we’ve divided “The Lifetime of Your Smile” into four phases:
- Your 1–20 Year Old Smile
- Your 20–40 Year Old Smile
- Your 40–65 Year Old Smile
- Your 65+ Year Old Smile
In addition to finding your smile’s current phase, you probably have family members, loved ones, and friends who are in the other phases as well. We invite you to pass the information along!
Must do. Should do. Could do.
Each day—consciously and subconsciously—we prioritize decision making in all aspects of our lives by “must do’s,” “should do’s,” and “could do’s.” Here at our Tucson, Arizona office our goal is to make sure you’re comfortable with every oral health decision you make, and that you see the difference between the “musts,” the “shoulds,” and the “coulds.” Of course, these lists aren’t exhaustive—and, there are no absolutely right or wrong answers to what you must, should, or could be doing about your oral health and appearance. Everyone has different priorities and different wants and needs. Think of these posts as a starting point! And if you have questions, please contact us and we can talk. _______________________________________________________
Today’s Post Is About Your 20–40 Year Old Smile
IT MAY BE EASY DURING THIS STAGE IN LIFE to skip or procrastinate regular check ups because “nothing hurts.” But too often what you don’t see causes the most trouble in the long run. This stage can also represents a very active time for significant, long-term social interaction and career advancement.
Must Do
- Regular check ups for early signs of gum disease, cracks in teeth, infections, cavities and potential problems with fillings. When caught early, most of these problems are reversible.
- Oral cancer is the 6th most common cancer with the worst five-year survival rate of all major cancers. One of the largest problems with oral cancer is it going undetected without exams.
- Gum disease can raise a pregnant woman’s risk of developing a dangerous condition known as preeclampsia which can lead to eclampsia, or seizures late in pregnancy or after delivery. Eclampsia can cause organ damage and even death.
- Wisdom teeth make their presence felt and can disrupt one’s bite causing long-term problems.
Should Do / Could Do
- A healthy, gorgeous smile compliments your career and social life. Is there some little thing that would make you more confident when you smile? Dr. Brei is always available to talk to you about any of these topics.
- Surveys show that 92% of North Americans agree an attractive smile is a crucial social asset. Does your social life suffer because you’re uncomfortable smiling?
- The same survey shows that 74% believe that an unattractive smile hurts a person’s chances of career success. During this time in life, when most people are absorbed in career development, have you considered the confidence difference a great smile could make?
- Consider how the smile of your dreams could literally change your life—far more comfortably and affordably than ever before.
All of us here with Robert Brei DDS, want to be your oral health partners for life! Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, if you haven’t already.
