Aging And Your Teeth

Your teeth are resilient and strong, even with all the gnashing, chewing, and grinding they will do over the years. But you have to take care of them. Your teeth age right along with you; there is no stopping the march of Father Time. Years and years of wear and tear add up and take a toll on your teeth.

A few things that can affect your teeth as you age are:

• Gum Disease. The risks of gum disease increase with age. Little pockets form at the gum line where bacteria can grow. If left untreated, bacterial infections can cause damage to connective tissue and bone, leading to tooth loss. So, brush and floss twice a day, use a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol, and visit your dentist twice a year.
• Wear and Tear. The function of your teeth is mechanical…to mash and grind food to make it digestible. For the most part, teeth are resistant to cracking and chipping; they do not become more brittle with age. But dentists often see patients with chips and cracks, commonly from biting down hard on an olive pit or a kernel of un-popped corn. Bruxism or teeth grinding caused by stress is another common cause of tooth wear and tear. So, check your popcorn and olives, avoid chewing ice, and ask your dentist to check for signs of bruxism.
• Two of the biggest threats to your teeth are sugars and starches. These carbohydrates ferment and cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. The acids eat away at the enamel of your teeth; tiny pits form, and tooth decay finds those pits. The result is cavities. Sweetened carbonated beverages are especially problematic since carbonation increases acid levels in the mouth. So, avoid frequent snacking, take it easy on sugary foods, carbonated soft drinks, and sports drinks, cap your sugar craving by chewing sugarless gum, and pay attention to your daily dental hygiene.

At StarWhite Dental, we want you to have a bright and happy smile throughout your life!

Call us at (951) 698-4426 to schedule an appointment today.