Just because we are all aging, that doesn’t mean we have to gracefully accept every physical or cosmetic trial that comes our way. Your dentist welcomes your determination to keep a gorgeous smile and determination to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Follow these dental care tips to stay on top of your aging teeth and keep a beautiful smile for life.
Be Proactive and Honest
If you are diagnosed with an illness, undergoing treatment, or taking a new medication, always inform your dentist. Medical care can sometimes impact oral health and cause problems like enamel discoloration and infections. Other side effects can include dry mouth and difficulty brushing which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Being proactive about your aging smile can prevent discomfort and dental problems from developing or leading to a dental emergency. Always be honest with your Red Bank dentist about co-existing health conditions so she can support you in maintaining strong, healthy teeth and gums during other health challenges.
Accept the Reality of Aging
As we age, our teeth do too. As the number ticks up with every birthday, so does the likelihood of dental complications. Acknowledge that it gets harder to take care of the human body with every decade, simply because the body cannot maintain peak condition as the years go by. Aging affects every bit of us – including oral health. Without consistent dental care and intervention, problems like the following are inevitable:
- Worn tooth enamel
- Gum recession
- Brittle enamel
- Yellowing teeth
- Worn-out restorations
- Gapped teeth
- Difficulty brushing and flossing
Act Quickly
Many people are reluctant to see their dentist as dental problems occur. They’re embarrassed about bad breath or unsightly teeth. Never be shy about getting your dentist’s eyes on your teeth and gums. Their help can minimize further development of oral health problems by stopping what’s going on in its tracks.
If your gums are red and painful, these are early signs of gum disease. If teeth are loose in their sockets, this is a clear indication of periodontal disease. It’s not possible to avoid every oral health problem, but it is possible to avoid many complications so you can save yourself pain, worry, invasive procedures, and money.
Choose Solid Restorations or Cosmetic Upgrades
There are multiple restorations available for most oral health problems, and your Red Bank dentist will advise you on the solution that is best for your age and oral health. If you’re missing teeth, take your dentist’s advice about dental implants vs. dental bridges. If you have a large cavity, say yes to the most robust solution, whether a porcelain crown or tooth-colored filling. If your smile is simply unsightly, be ready to invest in amazing cosmetic dentistry like porcelain veneers.
While some people are predisposed to develop oral health problems, behavior and unconscious habits impact teeth as they age too, from nutrition to teeth grinding to sensitive teeth. Get professional support for your entire dental journey from Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell at Red Bank Dentistry in Red Bank, NJ. Contact us to schedule a consultation or emergency dental visit.
