The Aging Smile: 4 Things to Know About Your Teeth as You Get Older

It’s no secret that the older you get, the more your body changes – and of course, your smile is no exception to this rule. As time passes by, all of the biting and chewing that you do over the years can slowly but surely wear down your teeth, and sooner or later that might lead to fractures and other unfortunate consequences. So what can you do to keep your teeth in good shape? Here are 4 things your dentist wants you to keep in mind while taking care of your aging grin.

1. Focus on Reducing Wear and Tear

The enamel protecting your teeth is definitely strong; in fact, it’s harder than your bones. But like anything else, it can eventually wear down. Normally, it’s the daily chewing, grinding, and biting that gradually flattens your teeth. This damage is not easily reversed, but you can prevent it from worsening over time by adopting the right habits. Avoid chewing on hard foods such as ice that can easily chip your teeth, and consider getting a night guard so that your upper and lower jaw don’t grind together while you sleep.

2. Pay Attention to Your Gums

The older you get, the more prone you become to gum disease. Left unchecked, gum disease can eventually destroy the tissues that anchor your teeth in place, meaning you’ll lose them sooner or later. To keep your smile intact, it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing every day. You also need to be able to recognize the signs of gum disease (such as bleeding while flossing, receding gums, loose teeth, and persistent bad breath) so that you can seek treatment as soon as possible; the quicker you act, the more likely you are to preserve your smile.

3. Be Careful of Dry Mouth

Your mouth tends to become drier as you get older. Without a healthy supply of cleansing saliva, your risk of tooth decay will increase dramatically. Dry mouth is often linked to certain medications. The obvious solution, of course, is to drink more water; you can also increase saliva production by chewing on sugarless gum.

4. Take Note If Your Teeth are Sensitive

Tooth decay, worn-down enamel, and gum recession can all leave your teeth more sensitive than they were before. Increased sensitivity generally means you’ll experience pain whenever you eat or drink something especially hot or cold, and you might feel discomfort when you brush a little too hard. There are certain types of toothpaste you can use to try and find relief from sensitive teeth, but you’ll definitely want to visit your dentist to figure out the exact cause.

Your dazzling smile can last you for the rest of your life, but naturally that depends on your ability to protect it over the years. Keep the above tips in mind, and be ready to call your dentist if you have any concerns about the way your teeth are changing.

About Bethel Dental

Here at Bethel Dental, our goal is to bring our patients the best care possible thanks to our team of skilled dentists who are ready to help patients of all ages from all walks of life. Our team combines their various skills and strengths as well as their dedication to good customer service in order to help your smile last as long as possible. To schedule an appointment, visit our website.