As we age, our teeth can become more susceptible to issues like cavities or discolouration. However, there are steps you can take to maintain your teeth and prevent these problems from occurring. Here are some tips that will help keep your pearly whites healthy for years to come:
Brush and floss
Brushing and flossing are two of the most important daily habits you can take on to protect your teeth. Whether you stay home or travel, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, but preferably more: once upon waking up, and again before bedtime. The best time to brush is after meals when the mouth is full of food particles that need to be removed. Remember to use soft bristles so as not to damage enamel or gums.
If you don’t want a mouth full of cavities later in life (and who does?), make sure to floss regularly by threading it between all teeth—even between them. This will remove plaque from areas that cannot be reached by brushing alone, such as in between molars and behind canines where there are no toothbrush bristles to reach them
See your dentist regularly
Regular visits to the dentist are important, regardless of whether or not you have dentures. If you are wearing dentures, it is important that they fit well and do not cause friction or irritation when eating. Dentures should be checked regularly for fit, alignment and decay. If you do not wear dentures, it is still recommended that you see your dentist every six months for an oral exam that includes teeth cleaning and polishing as well as any necessary dental work such as fillings or extractions.
Make sure your dentures fit well
As you age, your teeth may become loose and fall out. Dentures are a way to replace missing teeth. They fit over your gums, but if they don’t fit properly, they can cause irritation and pain. It’s important to make sure that your dentures fit well so that they don’t hurt or move around when you eat or talk.
The most common problem with ill-fitting dentures is that tooth roots have receded so far back into the gum line that the artificial replacements cannot be fastened securely enough by suction alone. In these cases, either a dental lab technician will need to fabricate new ones with longer stems (the part of the tooth replacement that stays in place), or else a doctor will need to perform surgery on your jawbone so it can accommodate longer implants.
Another possibility is having flexible dentures made from acrylic resin instead of plastic; these retain their shape even when chewed on hard foods like nuts and steak bones but still feel soft against the gums because of their malleability (a feature not present in standard plastic models). If this does not solve all problems then consult your dentist about possible solutions such as changing size sizes being too small.
Limit sugary foods and drinks
In order to prevent tooth decay and protect your smile, it is important to limit sugary foods and drinks. Sugar causes tooth decay, which can lead to cavities and tooth loss. Sugar can also increase the acidity of your mouth and cause bad breath. If you already have a problem with dental erosion, eating too much sugar will make this condition worse by causing more damage to your enamel (the outer layer of teeth).
Sugary drinks are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to dental health problems like cavities, gum disease and tooth erosion because they contain high amounts of sugar that get stuck between our teeth where they don’t belong.
Don’t smoke or chew tobacco
It is important to understand that smoking and chewing tobacco cause gum disease, which in turn can lead to tooth loss. Additionally, bad breath and tooth decay are also common symptoms associated with smoking and chewing tobacco.
Additionally, smoking increases the likelihood of developing dry mouth because nicotine constricts blood vessels in the mouth. A dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities by reducing your protective saliva and making it harder for you to clean food particles from your teeth.
Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrientsÂ
Calcium helps maintain the structure of your teeth, while vitamin D plays an important role in helping you absorb calcium and other nutrients. The best way to get enough calcium is by eating foods rich in this mineral on a daily basis. Foods high in calcium include dairy products, leafy greens and nuts.
Vitamin D is also essential to maintaining strong teeth because it helps your body absorb and use calcium effectively. Your body can manufacture vitamin D when exposed to sunlight; however, many people are deficient in this nutrient due to their geographic location or lifestyle habits (i.e., wearing sunscreen all day). If you don’t receive enough sun exposure or have limited access to good food sources of vitamin D (such as oily fish), then talk with your doctor about taking a supplement during the fall and winter months when there are fewer daylight hours available for making this crucial nutrient naturally.
Consider using fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse
Fluoride is a mineral that helps protect your teeth against tooth decay. It’s found naturally in some water, but can also be added to toothpaste and mouth rinse. Fluoride is a safe and effective ingredient for preventing cavities, but it can be toxic in large amounts so don’t swallow it. If you’re using fluoride-based products from the drugstore or pharmacy, make sure to wash your hands after brushing with them—especially if they touch other parts of your face like your eyes or cheeks.
Conclusion
However, when it comes to taking care of your teeth, no one size fits all. It is recommended that you talk with your dentist about what treatments are best suited for you.
About the Author
Monica is a passionate writer and content creator. Her interests include outdoor activities, fitness, technology, entrepreneurship and everything in between. Say hi to Monica on Twitter @monical_lee.
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