As you begin aging, taking care of yourself and your health becomes so much more important. But you should also consider how you are taking care of your aging teeth. Over time, wear and tear can take a toll on teeth.
The enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in your body – harder than your bones. Because the set you have now is for the rest of your life, it’s important to limit any damage to keep your smile looking picture perfect.
So what can you do to protect your aging teeth?
- Cut down on wear and tear and avoid chewing hard foods like ice. It can chip your enamel or even fracture your teeth. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about avoiding any damage this may cause.
- Keep gums healthy and avoid plaque build-up and gum disease with proper brushing and flossing. That means brushing twice a day and flossing every single day.
- Attend to any issue relating to a dry mouth. As you get older, your mouth gets drier and medications can worsen this. If you find this happening to you, drink more water and talk to your dentist about products that can assist with this.
- Limiting things like lemon and citrus fruits, excess sugar, pop and juice, and starchy foods is a good idea.
- Brush and floss gently and take care of sensitive teeth. If sensitivity is an issue, we can recommend a toothpaste or in-office treatment to help make every sip of tea or spoonful of ice cream more comfortable.
- Be kind to your teeth and mouth. Look out for sores, red or white patches or changes to your oral cavity.
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Most importantly, make sure you keep on top of regular check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can see anything you might be overlooking in the oral health department.
Good continuous oral hygiene is the biggest part of making sure your smile ages beautifully. Call and book your next appointment and let us help you keep your smile in tip-top shape.
