When most people think about their smiles when they were kids, they think how white and healthy they looked. However, with our aging teeth, this may not still be the case. It is a fact that as we get older, it becomes harder to stay healthy, and the same goes for our teeth. It is common to go to your doctor to discuss staying healthy as you age, but have you thought to consult with you dentist to discuss ways to keep your mouth healthy too?
You will only have 2 sets of teeth in your lifetime. The first set will only last you for the first 6 to 9 years of your life, after that you have 1 set of teeth for the rest of your life. In the past, it was common to think that you will need dentures at advanced ages because of the lifetime of wear on your teeth, but that isn’t necessarily the case today.
Here are some things to consider with aging teeth and how your dentist can help:
Wear and Tear:
Wear and Tear is unavoidable on your teeth. Over time, you will put repeated stresses through things like eating and possibly grinding in your sleep on your teeth that will cause them to wear down. This happens mostly from the repeated rubbing and pressure from when your teeth touch each other. All teeth have a hard mineral coating, called enamel, but over time this coating will wear away.
What can you do to protect your mouth? The first step is to have a good oral health routine that includes biannual checkups. During these checkups, your dentist can monitor your tooth health. If, over time they start seeing patterns in the wear on your teeth, they can create a treatment plan to address any underlying causes of excessive wear. If, for example, they determine you have an over or under bite, they may suggest orthodontic treatments to correct your bite. This can lead to better long term oral health, and better maintenance of your smile as you get older.
Decay and Erosion:
When you are young, you have a healthy strong enamel coating on your teeth. This coating is susceptible to erosion from high acidic foods such as sodas, tomatoes, or citrus. With aging teeth, these foods can slowly dissolve the enamel coating. Foods high in sugar offer a similar problem, but mostly because they promote bacterial and plaque growth on your teeth.
Once the coating is damaged to the point where the core of your tooth is exposed, a more serious problem arises, decay. Tooth decay is basically you tooth rotting away. If left untreated, this can lead to pain and infections. This can lead to difficulty eating or even worse health issues around your body.
What can you do to prevent or repair erosion and decay?
It is important to have a good oral health routine, and to achieve this flossing is important. Proper brushing and flossing habits (with the right toothpaste and floss) will go a long way to slow or minimize erosion. Watching what you eat and drink will also have a big impact as well. You also want to work with your dentist. Regular check ups are a crucial preventative measure, but if you do have decay issues, only your dentist can properly treat it to prevent further issues.
Gum Disease:
Your gums are just as important as your teeth when it comes to oral health. Gums help hold in your teeth and prevent tooth decay. Early signs you may have gum disease include, puffy or inflamed gums, red in color, tender or bleeds when touched, or is starting to recede. If left to progress, you can find yourself facing significant oral health problems, which can lead to other health problems, including heart related issues.
What can you do to protect yourself from gum disease?
Flossing is a crucial step in addressing your gum health. Improper or lack of flossing is one of the leading causes of gum disease. Food can get trapped between your teeth and get lodged below the gumline. When properly flossing you help remove these food particles and any plaque buildup that may also be ensuing. If you are facing warning signs you may have gum disease, your dentist can work with you on treatment options, ranging from increased cleaning schedules to medications or more advanced treatments.
Other ways to keep your smile healthy throughout your life:
It is important to stay on top of your oral help to prolong your best smile, but there are other things you can do to help long-term for aging teeth.
Restorative work:
Whether you need crowns, veneers, or dental implants, your dentist can help maintain your smile with coverings for your damaged teeth. These can also cosmetically improve the look of your teeth. It is important to keep in mind that even crowns and veneers may need to fixed or replaced over time.
Orthodontics:
Orthodontic care, like braces, are important to help with teeth alignment to help protect your mouth. A proper bite will improve the long-term health of your teeth and can have additional benefits. If your alignment doesn’t have a physical concern, orthodontic care can also be used for cosmetic reasons as well. It is possible, however, that your teeth continue to shift as you age, and additional care may be required. By maintaining annual record with your dentist, you can monitor any changes and take action if needed.
Cosmetic Treatments:
Most people think about a pearly white smile when they think a healthy mouth. This can be achieved with proper cleaning routines, but your teeth can still discolor or stain. When this happens, there are products designed to bring back the bright white color. While over the counter options exist, it is better to work with your dentist to properly use whitening treatments. When used improperly, the chemicals in whiteners can actually cause damage and lead to further discoloration of your teeth.
Dentist Near Joliet, IL
Whether you need treatment for damaged teeth or you just want to brighten you smile, having a good relationship with your dentist is the most important thing you can do for your long-term oral health. It is best to start with good habits when you are young, but it is never too late to take care of your oral health. If you are in the Joliet IL area and are looking to build a lasting relationship with your dentist, we at Shorewood Family Dental Care are here for you. Our expert staff has yeas of experience keeping smiles healthy and vibrant at any stage of life. Contact us for a consultation today.
