While our face is one of the first places to show signs of ageing, our teeth can also encounter challenges with every annual rotation around the sun. From wear and tear to gum issues and tooth loss, the challenge of keeping your pearly whites in top condition can wipe the smile off your face, quickly! Fortunately, according to the experts at Fox Dental – whose specialised implant system is designed to address missing, problematic, or decayed teeth, there are plenty of ways to keep your teeth strong, your mouth healthy and your smile shining bright for years to come.
The secret to strong teeth
Brushing and flossing are the foundation of good oral health, and this only becomes more important with age. As we age, our gums naturally recede slightly, making the teeth more vulnerable to decay and gum disease. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps to remove plaque – the sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and can lead to cavities if left unchecked.
Flossing is just as crucial because it gets rid of food particles and plaque between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Skipping flossing can lead to the buildup of plaque, which can harden into tartar and contribute to gum disease. A small amount of effort can go a long way in preventing serious dental issues down the road.
Fluoride also plays a vital role in maintaining strong teeth as it helps to remineralise enamel – the hard, protective coating on your teeth that is vulnerable to erosion over time. As we age, enamel naturally thins, making it important to use fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities and decay. Fluoride also helps to combat acid from foods and drinks, preventing enamel erosion.
If you’re prone to gum recession or have crowns, fillings, or other dental work, consider using a fluoride mouthwash as well. It reaches areas your toothbrush and floss might miss, giving your teeth an extra layer of protection.
Routine dental check-ups are one of the best ways to catch potential issues before they become bigger problems. It’s easy to think that once you reach adulthood, you’re “good to go” with dental visits, but regular check-ups are essential for keeping your smile healthy as you age. Your dentist will check for early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other potential issues, and can give you advice on any changes you should make to your oral care routine.
By visiting the dentist every six months, you’re essentially getting a professional “tune-up” for your teeth, ensuring that any problems are addressed promptly. It’s a simple habit that can prevent you from finding yourself in a dental emergency down the line. Remember, “a stitch in time saves nine” – and the same goes for dental care!
What you eat plays a significant role in the health of your teeth, and as you age, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to your diet. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are essential for strong teeth and bones. Dairy products, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified plant milks are excellent sources of calcium, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel and maintain jawbone health. And, don’t forget vitamin C! It’s crucial for gum health, as it supports the production of collagen, which helps keep your gums firm and resilient. Strawberries, citrus fruits, broccoli and capsicum are great sources of vitamin C.
It’s also wise to limit your intake of sugary snacks and acidic foods, such as candy, sodas, and fruit juices. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth that can lead to plaque buildup, while acidic foods can erode enamel over time, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay.
Next, keeping your mouth hydrated is a simple but crucial part of maintaining strong teeth. Saliva is essential for neutralising acids in the mouth, washing away food particles, and preventing the buildup of plaque. As we age, saliva production tends to decrease, which can lead to dry mouth – a condition that increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
If you’re prone to a dry mouth, try drinking water with every meal and after snacks to keep your mouth hydrated. You might also want to chew sugar-free gum, as it stimulates saliva production.
Dentures v Dental implants
Even with the best care, as we age, teeth naturally undergo some wear and tear. However, there are some specific steps you can take to prevent excessive damage. For example, If you grind your teeth at night – a common issue as we age – consider talking to your dentist about a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth from unnecessary stress. Teeth grinding can wear down enamel and cause fractures, so wearing a mouthguard while you sleep can prevent significant damage. Additionally, if you’re involved in activities that could lead to injury, such as sports, always wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from impact. Protecting your teeth from trauma is essential to ensuring they remain strong for many years.
If you’re facing the possibility of tooth loss, dental implants might be a solution worth considering. Unlike traditional dentures, which can sometimes be tricky to fit or uncomfortable, dental implants offer a more permanent and reliable option.
Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, providing unmatched stability and support compared to dentures. Their beauty lies in their custom design, ensuring a perfect fit that offers comfort and functionality without the worry of shifting or discomfort.
Designer dentistry
One of the biggest benefits of quality dental implants, such as those offered by Fox is that they help preserve your jawbone structure. Over time, dentures can sometimes cause bone loss, which affects both the look and feel of your smile. Implants, on the other hand, stimulate the bone just like natural teeth, helping to maintain your facial structure.
Dental implants typically require less maintenance compared to dentures, which may need to be replaced or adjusted over time. While they might be a bigger investment upfront, implants are a long-term solution that can save you from ongoing costs or adjustments.
Perhaps one of the best things about implants is the difference they can make to your daily life – enabling you to eat a wider variety of foods comfortably and enjoy a sense of security knowing your teeth are firmly in place. No more worrying about dentures slipping or clicking during meals or conversations. It’s a more natural solution, giving you back the confidence to smile, eat, and speak freely.
