People grow older, and that’s inevitable. Sadly, so are some things that come with aging. You worry about your health and many other things. But have you recently thought about your teeth? If you haven’t, it’s time that you do so because your teeth go through so much – stains from food and drinks can accumulate, and the enamel gets thinner as the years pass.
Aging doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to have poor oral health, but it will definitely help if you take extra care of your pearly whites as you grow older. To help you out, Shallowford Family Dental Group shares some tips that, if you follow, can keep your teeth strong and healthy no matter how old you are:
Stay Hydrated to Prevent Dry Mouth
If you are slightly dehydrated and you get a dry mouth, your teeth and gums are affected, too. You see, saliva plays a big role in keeping your teeth healthy. They dilute and even help wash away harmful acid that comes from the things that you eat and drink all day. When there’s not enough saliva in your mouth, that acid can damage the enamel of your teeth. If this frequently happens, your teeth will be more prone to decay.
Drinking enough water throughout the day can prevent this issue. Mind that it should be plain water and not coffee, juice, or soda that you should hydrate with.
Brush Gently But Efficiently
You might think that you should brush harder to get better results, but that simply isn’t true. In fact, this can actually be damaging to your teeth and gums. Remember that as you grow older, your gums recede, and brushing hard can aggravate this problem.
If you want to brush your teeth in an efficient manner without hurting your teeth and gums, you should opt for a brush with soft bristles and be aware of how much pressure you put into your brushing. Make sure you brush for two minutes at least twice a day and go over all the surfaces of your teeth. You may even choose to get an electric toothbrush with a timer to help you achieve a more thorough cleaning.
Take Extra Precautions Against Oral Cancer
The risk of getting oral cancer rises as you grow older. It’s important that you visit your doctor for a thorough oral examination if you frequently get sores. This is so they can check to see if there is any abnormal tissue growth. This is especially important if you smoke, chew tobacco, or drink alcohol. You should also switch to an alcohol-free mouthwash and protect your lips with a lip balm with sunscreen if you’re going out for extended periods.
Don’t Skip Your Dental Checkups
You might get tempted to skip your bi-annual checkups when you’re not feeling anything wrong with your oral health, but you shouldn’t. By keeping your appointment, you’ll be able to stay on top of things and keep track of your oral health. This will also help prevent the occurrence and progress of any problem.
Conclusion
By taking extra care of your oral health, you can avoid issues that often come with aging, like periodontal disease, decay, and more. Efficient brushing, hydrating well, and getting regular checkups with your family dentist in Chattanooga are keys to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Shallowford Family Dental Group has some of the best dentists in Chattanooga that you can count on to help you maintain good oral health. Contact us today to set an appointment!