One of the most common misconceptions is that tooth decay is inevitable as we age. And while this may be true to some extent, that doesn’t mean there are not certain things we can do to slow down or even entirely prevent serious issues as we get older in order to protect our dental health.
The most important thing to realize is that our teeth will change with age, so we need to learn how to adjust our dental hygiene to meet these new needs. So, with that in mind, here are some common dental issues you can expect to notice as you get older and some of the ways that can help you remedy them.
Common Teeth Wear
Over the years our teeth experience wear and tear just like the rest of our body does. And while this is something that can’t really be prevented, there are things we can do to minimize the negative effects. For instance, we really can’t minimize the effects of daily chewing, as we all still need to eat in order to survive. However, we can minimize the chewing itself, by avoiding chewing gums – that are also full of sugar, which is another common enemy of healthy teeth. On top of that, as you get older avoid putting additional strain on your teeth by avoiding consuming foods that are too hard, overly sweet or sour, as all of these can additionally damage your teeth.
Discoloration
Discoloration is another common part of ageing. And while this is completely normal, and not necessarily a threat to our dental health, the fact is that it doesn’t look very appealing. However, there are various things you can do to brighten your teeth a bit. From different cosmetic procedures done by professionals to adding more fruit to your diet, you can really improve the look of your teeth. Strawberries, in particular, are known to do wonders when it comes to teeth brightening. But be careful and avoid using harsh chemical whitening solutions on your own, as these can easily damage your teeth.
Gum Recession
Gum recession is also something that comes with aging. As we get older, we start to experience muscle and bone loss. This oftentimes leads to our entire face and jaw structure changing, which can lead to teeth loss. Luckily, there are now numerous procedures that focus on replacing lost teeth. For instance, professionals at dental laboratory offer Zirconia restorations that promise a natural look that easily blends in with the rest of your teeth.
Side Effects Caused By Medicine
Moreover, aging individuals commonly end up using some type of maintenance medicine. These commonly include high blood pressure medicine, heart disease medicine and various diabetes treatments. All of this medicine can cause dry mouth. Now, dry mouth isn’t only incredibly unpleasant but it can also seriously compromise your dental health. Saliva helps our teeth stay healthy and prevents tooth decay. So, of course, the lack of saliva in your mouth will only have the opposite effect. So, make sure you stay properly hydrated at all times, especially if you’re on any type of maintenance drugs.
Increased Risk Of Gum And Tooth Disease
Needless to say, some of our daily habits increase the risk of gum and tooth disease. Drugs, smoking and alcohol can really hurt your overall health, your teeth included. Coffee and red wine are known to stain teeth, which is another thing to keep in mind. Too much sugar and acidic foods can also hinder your oral health and help speed up tooth decay.
So, the fact is that no – you won’t necessarily suffer from some of the most common tooth and dental issues related to aging if you learn how to combat and prevent them on time. Regularly practice good dental hygiene and visit your doctor to help ensure you keep your pearly whites for as long as possible.
Author Bio
Diana Smith
is a full time mom of two beautiful girls interested in business and marketing related topics.
In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
