Have your teeth changed in appearance over the past few years? Is it something that you did? Yes and no. Teeth are tough, but they do change as you age. Read on to learn how your eating habits and brushing routine work together to extend the life of your smile.
The Glory Days: Your Smile as a Young Adult
Ah, the beauty of youth. All your adult teeth have grown in fully, and your visits to the orthodontist are a distant memory. Your teeth are straight and likely gleaming white. Every layer of each tooth, including the outer enamel, the middle dentine, and the center pulp, are strong and whole. Together, they form an incredibly durable line of defense against the years ahead. But they are done growing, and this is the best that your teeth will be throughout the rest of your life. Understanding now how time and use affect your dental health can help you plan for a better future.
The Battle Begins: Food, Morning Coffee, and the Daily Grind
Everything that enters your mouth will assault your teeth, but it can take decades for the damage to surface. Acids commonly found in carbonated drinks, your breakfast OJ, and coffee slowly eat away at the enamel. Sugars found in all kinds of starchy foods like bread, pasta, potatoes, and even corn break down and form bacteria that form plaque.
Nuts, hard candy, tough meat, and fibrous vegetables all test the limits of your bite. Grinding at night will also wear away that white grin. As the enamel thins, the brown flexible dentine begins to show through. It will resist the formation of cavities, but it is not as tough as the enamel. You may begin to suffer from cracks, cavities, and even tooth loss. Did you notice that few of the foods listed above are actually considered bad for your health? Some are even part of a diet that supports a long life. The fact is, time is the greatest challenge that your smile faces.
How to Fight Back for a Whiter Smile Longer
Yes, remember all those lessons learned as a child? A good dental routine helps to fight off bacteria and acids.
- Brush twice a day
- Use a recommended toothpaste that includes fluoride, protection for your enamel, and fights tartar.
- Chew sugarless gum after a meal to break down lingering food particles.
- Embrace drinking water.
- Foods high in fiber scrub your teeth and support a strong bite.
- Floss and mouthwash add to your arsenal.
- Build a positive relationship with your dentist.
How to Help Keep Your Teeth as You Age?
Your dentist is here to form a plan that supports a strong bite and attractive smile as you get older.
- Schedule an annual cleaning to address any new cavities as soon as possible.
- Maintain crowns to protect your dentine layer and keep the tooth for years longer.
- Opt for an implant to maintain a straight bite and smile.
- Keep up a healthy diet with dentures.
- Consult with your orthodontist if teeth have shifted, creating an uneven bite or nightly grinding.
Make an Appointment Today to Protect Your Teeth for the Future
A strong smile is crucial in supporting good health as you get older. If you live in North Carolina, advocate for longer-lasting teeth by giving us a call at Carlyle Dental in Kinston today.