I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
It's important that you take good care of your teeth, no matter how old you are. Unfortunately, dental care becomes a bigger concern as you get older, which is why you need to make some adjustments to how you take care of your teeth. These tips should help set you on the right path from your 20s all the way to when you turn 50.
Dental Care From 20-29 Years Old
Now is the time that you are becoming independent. It is up to you to take on the responsibility of making your own dental appointment, rather than having your parents do it for you. Make sure to keep up with having your regular checkups, because as you get older, your chance of having decaying teeth will increase.
Ignoring your dental checkups could lead to serious problems. Decay that is not removed could lead to a tooth infection. In a worst-case scenario, you could even lose your tooth. As long as you get minor problems taken care of immediately, you can slow down the progression of decay and prevent it from ruining your teeth.
Dental Care From 30-39 Years Old
Now is the time to pay more attention to your gums. Gums can recede at any time in life, but it is more likely to happen as you get older. Gingival recession, or gum recession, actually affects 38% of adults between 30-39 years old in the US. As you get older, the percentage only gets bigger.
Take action while you are younger, and switch to a toothbrush that has softer bristles. This can prevent you from becoming too aggressive when brushing and reduce the chance of your gums receding. Your teeth will be less sensitive, and you'll have a lower chance of losing a tooth.
Dental Care From 40-49
When you reach 40 years old, your teeth have experienced a lot of wear, which has an impact on the enamel. Enamel becomes thinner as you get older, and now is the time to start paying close attention to it. That's because thin enamel can cause a tooth to chip, increase sensitivity, and cause your teeth to easily decay.
If you grind your teeth at night, use a mouth guard to prevent more damage from happening to them. Avoid using teeth like a tool to open things, and don't chew on hard things like ice cubes.
For more tips about things to watch out for as you get older, speak to your family dentist.
Share29 August 2016
