How to Take Care of Your Teeth as You Age

As we get older, our body naturally starts to weaken and change, we slow down, and unfortunately, our teeth begin to show signs of wear and tear, reflecting the many memories and moments they have been with us. While tooth damage cannot always be reversed, we can still work to take care of our teeth as we age; that way, they can be in the best shape and condition possible. So, what are some things you should be doing to ensure that your teeth last you a lifetime? We have a few things you can try today, so you can take care of your teeth as you age. 

Stick to a dental plan

Did you notice that brushing and flossing was pushed on us as kids and into early adulthood, but then the push seems to slow when we get later into our adulthood? You become busy, you are working nonstop, and you are easily distracted by things in the office and in your home life, and dental health gets pushed to the wayside. We get it, but know that you are never too young, nor too old, to start a dental plan and stick to it. 

Commit to brushing two to three times a day, flossing at least once before you go to sleep, and maybe even throw in a fluoride treatment on top of your regular brushing. Though this won’t always reverse the neglect, it will at least get you on a better schedule and closer to healthier teeth. Don’t forget to stick to this plan no matter where you are. When you are on vacation or on a long journey, it is easy to put your dental health on the backburner. But you must try your best not to let your dental health suffer.

Get professional dental help

Alright, we know that going to the dentist isn’t always fun or easy, but it is almost always worth it. When you put your dental health first and go to a dentist, you are putting your teeth in good hands. A dentist can monitor progress on changing teeth and gums and work with you to find solutions to new or developing problems. When working closely with a dentist, you can finally get answers to several teeth-related questions, such as how much does a crown cost, what toothbrush should I actually be using, how can I stop grinding my teeth, and so on. They are professionals, so don’t be scared to ask the questions you want answers to.

If you don’t have a dentist yet though, you can always rely on the power of the internet. A simple search for phrases like “dentist near me greenville” or “dentists in baltimore” should provide a list of dental experts that you can reach out to.

Quit smoking

The time has come to finally kick your teeth-decaying smoking habit to the curb. Smoking cigarettes is not easy to give up, but it will benefit your overall health and wellness, plus it can help to get your teeth back to a healthier state. If you are unable to kick the habit completely, try switching to something more manageable and not as harsh on the body, like a vape pen. That will help you get your smoking fix without tearing up your remaining teeth.

Monitor what you eat

The older you get, the older your teeth get, too. So that means they may not be as strong as they once were. Sticky, high sugar, hard, crunchy foods are all risky when you start to age, as your teeth may become more brittle and easier to chip or crack. Though we know how yummy those hard candies are, it might be a good idea to stay away from them.

We hope you have been reminded of the importance of dental health and that these tips will help you take care of your teeth today and in the future as you age.