Keeping Our Smiles For Life

Maintaining our smile as we age is not only important for cosmetic reasons but also for overall health and wellbeing

There are a few extra considerations around oral health as we age, and these are important if we are to keep our smile for life. Here are some tips to keep in mind as we age (gracefully of course!)

Keep up your oral hygiene at home

Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Fluoride also helps to strengthen your enamel, making your teeth more resistant to decay. Flossing is just as important as brushing and helps to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, which brushing alone can’t reach.

Visit the dentist regularly

Visiting the dentist every six months is important to keep your smile healthy. During these visits, your dentist will check for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease or oral cancer, and clean your teeth to remove plaque, calculus and staining. As we age, and our teeth and restorations begin to show signs of wear or break down, it is particularly important to remember your regular dental maintenance visits to keep your teeth strong, healthy and functional so that you can retain your teeth into old age.

Be aware of medical conditions and medications

When you visit your dentist, be sure to update them of any medical conditions you have or medications you are taking. Side effects such as dry mouth or acid reflux for example may have an impact on your oral health, and your dentist is well placed to give you advice on how best to manage these.

Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet is important for overall health and your oral health is no exception. Foods high in sugar and acid can cause tooth decay and erode tooth enamel. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to keep your smile healthy.

Quit smoking and vaping

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health. It causes bad breath, yellowing of the teeth, gum disease and even oral cancer. Vaping also carries a host of risks to your oral and general health, with the true extent of the danger yet to be tested.  Head on over to our recent blog on vaping to learn more.

Keeping your smile for life is a simple and achievable goal with the right oral hygiene habits and regular dental check-ups. So, make sure to take care of your smile and keep it shining for years to come.