Can smiles be saved as we age? The constant wear and tear on your mouth from consuming food can wear down your teeth and the joints in your jaw. However, that doesn’t mean you will lose your teeth when you are older, as daily habits such as brushing and flossing can keep your teeth strong enough to last a lifetime.
Don’t stop caring for your smile as you age. Keep in mind the following oral health guidelines:
– With your dentures, either partial or complete sets, always make sure to remove and clean them daily by soaking them overnight in a denture solution or plain water.
– Your teeth may deteriorate over time, making bad habits such as smoking or using drugs much more harmful to your teeth and gums.
– Avoid foods that are hard to bite into, as your teeth are more susceptible to cracking and chipping in your elder years.
– Your nerve endings in your teeth get smaller as you age, making it harder to spot cavities or tooth decay. For additional assistance, always visit your dentist for your bi-annual professional cleanings and any oral checkups you may require.
– Try to floss your teeth once daily with a shred-resistant floss. If flossing manually is too physically demanding, try switching to an alternative interdental tool such as a water flosser.
– Try to brush your teeth twice daily with a brush that has soft bristles. If brushing is too physically demanding, try switching to an alternative dental tool such as an electric toothbrush.
Always make time in your life to visit your dentist at The Bartlett Dental Station for a bi-annual professional cleaning, and if necessary, book an appointment with Dr. Mark Prosniewski for a detailed exam of your oral health. You can reach our dental office in Bartlett, Illinois, by calling 630-837-2779. We look forward to helping your maintain your healthy, confident smile!