Everyday wear and tear takes a toll on your teeth as you age. But there are many things you can do to keep your aging teeth in great condition. Follow these tips and you will have a lot to smile about.
Cut Down Wear and Tear
Your teeth are unbelievably strong. However, they can still be worn down. All of the chewing, grinding, and biting wears away the enamel, which is the hard, outer layer of your teeth.
You will not be able to erase a lifetime of wear and tear, without having it restored by a dentist, but you can definitely keep it from getting worse. Don’t chew on ice or other hard foods. Chewing on hard foods can cause chips in your enamel and even break teeth.
Keep Your Gums Healthy
Bacteria, which is called plaque, is always forming in your mouth. If you don’t remove it, it can cause soreness, swelling, and bleeding in your gums. If it doesn’t get taken care of, it can even cause infections that will hurt the bone underneath.
Your dentist will treat serious gum disease, called periodontitis. If you don’t take care of bacteria build up, it could potentially harm your gums and bones. This could lead to removing some teeth.
Some signs of gum disease include:
• Bleeding when you brush your teeth
• Gums that recede, or pull back from your teeth
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
The best way to keep your gums healthy is by taking good care of your teeth. Brush twice a day and floss every day. Make sure you see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Don’t Let Your Mouth Dry Out
Saliva is very important when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy. It helps to clean your teeth and protect it from decay. But as you age, your mouth gets drier and your risks of tooth decay increase. Medication could be to blame as many drugs cause the mouth to become dry. It is important to drink plenty of water so your mouth stays moist. Sucking on sugarless candy or chewing sugarless gum can also help the mouth retain some water and protect aging teeth.
Be Careful with Sensitive Teeth
Worn enamel, gum problems, and tooth decay can all make your teeth extra sensitive. It can hurt when you drink something hot or cold or even when you brush your teeth a little too hard.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is the best prevention. Brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly to preserve your aging teeth.
Watch Out for Acid
Citrus fruits and juices all contain acid. Sugary and starchy foods cause your mouth to make acid. Each wears away the enamel on your teeth which is not good for the overall health of your mouth. Make sure you don’t swish these drinks around in your mouth. If you consume these foods, follow it up with milk or cheese to help cancel the acid out.
Be on the Lookout for Cancer
As you get older, there’s a small chance that you could develop cancer of the mouth, throat, tongue, or lips. The best way to prevent this from happening is to use lip balm with sunscreen, moderating your alcohol intake and if you smoke, quit.
Some symptoms are not easy to detect at first, so it is important to see your dentist regularly. Your dentist will be able to look for any problems and treat them early.
Whether you’re having trouble finding a suitable dental physician, have more questions about maintaining the best oral hygiene routine, or want to actually perform a dental procedure, outstanding dental advice and care can be offered by Dr. David S. Kao’s office to provide you with the gorgeous, memorable smile you desire. Dr. Kao focuses his treatment on you as an individual, and not just on the dental problem. As part of his approach to dental care, Dr. Kao takes into account each patients’ individual needs and concerns. Dr. Kao’s treatments are specifically tailored to provide lasting health benefits.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and to boost both your smile and your confidence.
