20 Tips to Care for Your Teeth as You Age

Teeth are an irreplaceable natural gift that most of us don’t care about as well as we should. Many people, in fact, start caring for their teeth after suffering a serious infection that ends in permanent tooth loss or after a dental treatment that cost a fortune.

If you’ve been negligent of your oral health, it’s never too late to begin a good oral care routine to preserve your teeth and gums. In fact, dental experts say that by taking good care of your teeth in your 20s, 30s and even 40s, you can remarkably reduce the oral health problems faced by senior adults. Here are 20 tips that will help you get started on the journey to protecting your teeth and gums against decay, discolouration and bacterial infections.

1. Learn the right way to brush as incorrect brushing is one of the leading causes of plaque buildup, cavities, bleeding and swollen or painful gums. Use a battery-powered sonic toothbrush to make brushing easier and more effective.
2. Safeguard your gums against infections by maintaining a consistent brushing and flossing routine. Use a fluoride toothpaste, brush twice a day, floss every day, and give up smoking as it makes your gums more susceptible to infection.
3. Don’t ignore bleeding or painful gums. See your dentist as soon as possible to nip the problem in the bud as these could be early signs of an infection.
4. If you have arthritis or other health condition that makes holding a brush difficult, opt for an electric toothbrush. You can also cover the toothbrush handle with a grip tube or use an elastic band to tie it to your wrist.
5. Make life easier by replacing missing teeth with good quality implants or partial dentures so that you can enjoy eating and drinking your favourite foods. When you first get dentures, opt for finely cut soft foods that are easy to chew and won’t stick to your teeth. Chew the food slowly to avoid stressing your new dental accessories.
6. If you have dry mouth, avoid things that aggravate the condition, such as coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes. Drink plenty of water through the day, chew sugar-free gum and candy, and if the problem is affecting your day-to-day life, meet with your dentist for a long-term solution.
7. Expect a little darkening of your teeth as you age. Your teeth have a protective layer of enamel, underneath which lies dentin, a yellowish layer of tissue. Aging and consuming stain-causing foods change the appearance of dentin over time and also leave it exposed as the enamel wears off. This can cause your teeth to look yellow, discoloured or stained. You can control these side effects of aging to some extent with dental care treatments such as whitening and veneers.
8. Root infections are another common occurrence in people with poor oral health, and they’re not necessarily linked to aging. Taking good care of your teeth and gums reduces the risk of serious infections that penetrate deep into the root of a tooth.
9. Don’t miss your dentist visits and go at least twice a year. Even if you are meticulous about brushing and flossing, Dr Nathan Dustin from www.columbiariverdentistry.com recommends going to the dentist every six months for teeth cleaning, which will remove any plaque build up.
10. Another cause of root infections is the gradual receding of the gum as a person ages. This exposes the root and makes it prone to infections. Regular dental check-ups can help you identify and fix such issues in time.
11. Give your teeth and gums extra protection by rinsing with a good antibacterial mouthwash at least once every day.
12. Medicines also affect oral health and some are known to cause dry mouth. If you’re on medication for a chronic condition, find out if and how it could be affecting your oral health.
13. Replace missing teeth at the earliest as over time the gaps can change the shape of your jawline.
14. During a dental check-up, your dentist should take your oral health history and thoroughly check your teeth and gums. Remember to share with your dentist any new issues with your teeth, such as sensitivity, bleeding, painful gums, loose teeth, mouth sores, swelling or difficulty chewing food.
15. You may experience a diminished sense of taste due to aging, side effects of some medicines or other factors. Discuss any problems with tasting or swallowing your food with your dentist so that they can properly evaluate your oral health in light of these changes.
16. When considering replacing your missing teeth, learn more about the various options such as bridges, implants, and partial dentures. Of these implants are generally considered the better option with regard to strength, longevity, and convenience.
17. Unlike old times, small cavities can now be repaired by a process called recalcification. The process involves the application of fluoride directly onto the cavity. Unlike conventional filling material, which simply fills the cavity, it rebuilds the lost enamel of your tooth over time.
18. Clenching and grinding can cause an irreparable loss of enamel and weaken your teeth over time. Clenching, in particular, can severely damage your teeth’s structure and make them prone to bone loss and breakage. Wear a night guard to protect your teeth from such extensive damage.
19. Pay attention to your children’s oral health from the very start. Ensure regular visits to the dentist and make them fun. Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments to restore tooth health, particularly if your kids eat a lot of sugary foods or have had cavities in the past. A fluoride treatment in young children rebuilds enamel and thereby controls plaque formation.
20. Last but not least, choose a good dentist. The long-term health of your teeth depends not only on your oral care routine and lifestyle but also on the competence and experience of your dentist. Find a good dental clinic that offers the latest dental treatments and is furnished with state-of-the-art equipment.