Don’t Let Your Teeth Age Before You: How To Help Them Stand The Test Of Time

When it comes to health matters of any kind, the general rule is that prevention is better than the cure. This is just as true when it comes to our teeth. A few sensible decisions in our youth and a few extra minutes spent brushing and flossing each can make a great difference to the health of our teeth as we age. Time is a mistress and our teeth aren’t exempt, so giving them that little bit of extra beforehand can make the world of difference.

Maintain a great routine

Of course, brushing our teeth twice a day and flossing after meals is time consuming and a bit of a pain, but it’s completely necessary. Not brushing teeth before bed allows the food from the day to become the perfect feasting and breeding ground for all manner of bacteria, which can slowly chew away at the enamel of your teeth, causing all manner of abscesses and cavities. Cleaning teeth before bed also allow you to remove any substances which could stain teeth when left in contact with the white enamel for too long, so it’s an essential habit to get into. Ensure that seeing your dental hygienist regularly is also a part of your routine – they’ll be able to advise on the health of your teeth, but also to clean off any problematic plaque before it causes long-lasting issues.

Invest in teeth whitening

Whatever great habits we develop to keep our teeth healthy, everyday life has a habit of getting in the way. It’s tricky to undo the mistakes of the past, but there’s no point beating yourself up about it. If you have teeth staining, invest in some teeth whitening. Many dental hygiene companies such as Bright Smiles of Coral Springs offer a number of cosmetic procedures such as veneers which can make teeth look like they’re brand new. There are even teeth whitening procedures you can go ahead and try at home, from branded teeth whitening kits to the baking soda rub.

Avoid problem foods to prevent teeth age

Teeth age when they’re poorly cared for over time. Bacteria builds up, and they slowly decay, it’s just a fact of life. But staining and discoloration can also cause your teeth to look old before their time, even if they’re completely healthy. Using teeth whitening kits is a great way to get them back to their pearly white shade, but avoiding problematic foods will also really help. Red wine, coffee, tea, are the main culprits, but did you know that citrus fruits don’t help? The high acidity levels soften the enamel, which makes them more prone to staining from other foods. But the worst culprit of all is tobacco smoke – the yellowing effects are rapid, and it’s one of the hardest stains to remove. If you still smoke, give up today for the sake of your teeth, if not the rest of your health.

Our teeth are super susceptible to signs of aging, but it’s not the end of the world. There are plenty of things we can do to postpone this wear and tear, and even reverse it, so all is not lost.