Like a lot of things in life, protecting your teeth requires more work when you get older than it did in your 20s and 30s. As our teeth naturally wear down, we need to take a more proactive approach to strengthening and protecting them. There are a lot of ways we can do this, and we put those techniques in the spotlight in today’s blog.
Your Diet
Your diet plays a big role in the health of your teeth. Healthy food choices like vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins provide your mouth and your whole body with beneficial vitamins and minerals. You’ll also want to avoid sugary snacks, sodas and juices, because they can speed up tooth decay. If you want to have these products, limit your intake and have them with meals so that sugars are less likely to stay on the tooth surface. Finally, be wary of your alcohol intake, as alcohol can irritate sensitive gum and increase your risk for oral cancer.
Brushing and Flossing
Forming a good dental hygiene plan and sticking to it is especially important once we hit our 50s and 60s. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and make sure you’re flossing at least once a day. Look for dental hygiene products with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Approval, because you can trust those products to help protect your teeth.
Regular Checkups
Just like you need regular health screenings at the doctor, you also need to be diligent about having regular dental visits. Aside from helping keep your teeth clean, regular dental visits can help spot potential problems in their infancy. As with any health condition, the sooner an issue is identified, the sooner treatment can begin. Earlier treatment often leads to higher success rates. Don’t assume that your problem will go away if you grit your teeth and ignore your regular dental visits. Schedule your next appointment today.
Denture Health
Dentures are a reality for millions of Americans. Trauma, car accidents or tooth decay are reasons why young and old people need dentures, and while they can help you show off a nice smile, you need to clean and care for your dentures so as not to expose yourself to infection. Follow your dentist’s instructions for caring for your dentures, and inspect them regularly.
Natural Minerals and Vitamins
Finally, it’s important to try and get your vitamins, nutrients and minerals from natural sources. While supplements can help to provide us with nutrients that we can’t get enough of on our own, some of them can have unintended consequences. Calcium is important for teeth and bone health, but exclusively relying on calcium supplements for your calcium intake has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Strive to get things like calcium, Vitamin D and fluoride from your diet naturally, and talk to your dentist and doctor about safe supplements if you are lacking in some areas.
Dry Mouth
Be aware of dry mouth due to medication Side effects. Having a dry mouth or not enough saliva can cause someone to become very prone to decay and gum disease. It would be important to look at salivary substitutes and to also be sure to discuss with the doctor and team about options. It is also critical that you reduce the sugar in your diet.