The same is true for your teeth, given all that chewing and gnashing they’ve done over the years.
As you age, your teeth age right along with you. Years of everyday wear and tear add up and definitely take a toll.
- What happens to your teeth as you age?
- What can you do to keep them strong for a lifetime?
- Erosion. It’s not just about soil.
Two of the biggest threats to your teeth are sugars and starches. These carbohydrates ferment, causing bacteria in your mouth to produce acids…which eat away at the enamel of your teeth.
Tiny pits form and tooth decay finds those pits…resulting in cavities.
Sweetened carbonated beverages are also problematic since carbonation increases acid levels in the mouth. Sports drinks have been singled out as tooth enamel enemies.
TIPS:- Avoid frequent snacking
- Take it easy on sugary foods, carbonated soft drinks and sports drinks
- Cap that sugar craving by chewing sugarless gum
- Pay attention to your daily dental hygiene!
- Wear and Tear
The function of your teeth is mechanical…to mash and grind food to make it digestible.
For the most part teeth are resistant to cracking and chipping; they do not become more brittle with age. But dentists often see patients with chips and cracks…commonly from biting down hard on something like an olive pit or a kernel of un-popped corn.
Bruxism or teeth grinding caused by stress is another common cause of tooth wear and tear.
TIPS:- Check your olives!
- Avoid chewing ice
- Visit your dentist to check for bruxism
- Gum Disease
The risks of gum disease increase with age. Little pockets form at the gum line where bacteria can grow. If left untreated, bacterial infections can cause damage to connective tissue and bone, leading to tooth loss.
TIPS:- Brush and floss twice a day
- Use antibacterial mouthwash
- Get a dental check-up twice a year
Williams Lake Smiles wants you to have the brightest, best-looking smile every day!
Call us at 250.398.8411 to schedule an appointment.
