Wonder what happens to your teeth as you age & what you can do?
Wonder what happens to your teeth as you age & what you can do
?
Teeth & Aging
Given all the chewing, crunching, biting, and gnashing they do, our teeth are surprisingly resilient. Still, everyday wear and tear and the natural aging process take a toll. Heres what happens to teeth as we age -- and what you can do to keep your teeth strong and sparkling for a lifetime.
Preventing Acid Erosion:
By far the biggest threat to teeth is sugary and starchy food. These carbohydrates ferment, causing the bacteria in the mouth to produce acids. Those acids can quickly eat away at the enamel of teeth. As a result, this creates tiny pits where tooth decay can form.
Most of us assume that sugary candy is the worst offender. But sweetened carbonated beverages, such as colas, can be even more dangerous, since carbonation increases acid levels in the mouth. Some recent studies have singled out sports drinks as a particular threat to tooth enamel.
What to do:
Go easy on sugary foods, especially carbonated soft drinks and sports drinks.
Avoid frequent snacking, which causes acid levels in the mouth to remain high over an extended time.
If you get a craving for something sweet, chew sugarless gum. Chewing increases saliva production, which helps cleanse the mouth and neutralize acidity.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. Daily dental hygiene reduces bacteria levels in your mouth.
See your dentist every six months for a regular checkup that includes removing plaque buildup.
Preventing Mechanical Wear and Tear on Your Teeth:
The function of teeth is mostly mechanical -- to mash and grind and otherwise break up food to make it more easily digested. For the most part, our teeth are resistant to cracks and chips. Teeth do not become more brittle with age. There are patients all the time who have cracked or chipped a tooth biting down hard on something like an olive that still has a pit or a kernel of unpopped popcorn.
Teeth that have fillings or root canals are particularly vulnerable, since they dont have the strength of structurally intact teeth.
Another problem that causes wear and tear is the habit of grinding or clenching teeth. Called bruxism, it is frequently caused by stress or anxiety. Over time, bruxism can wear down the biting surfaces of teeth, making them more susceptible to decay.
What to do:
Avoid chewing ice and other very hard foods.
Double-check to make sure that pitted foods have no pits before you bite down on them.
See your dentist regularly. He or she can spot cracked or broken fillings that may weaken teeth. Your dentist will also check for signs of bruxism. In many cases, people who grind or clench their teeth arent aware of the habit or the damage they are doing to their teeth. If you show signs of bruxism, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard that can be worn at night to prevent grinding.
Preventing Stains on Your Teeth:
Certain foods -- especially coffee, tea, and red wine -- can stain teeth. Tobacco, both smoked and chewed, also discolors teeth. For the most part, stains are a cosmetic issue. Stains typically form where there is organic build-up, or plaque, on teeth, so its important to have them removed as part of a regular checkup.
What to do:
Avoid foods that stain teeth.
Brush regularly to remove plaque buildup, which will help your teeth resist stains.
Have your teeth cleaned professionally every six months. Your dentist or dental hygienist can remove plaque and tartar that a toothbrush cant reach.
If you still arent satisfied with the color of your teeth, talk to your dentist. Toothpastes and bleaching systems can whiten teeth, and home bleaching kits are also available. Be sure to follow the directions for use. Overused, the chemicals can irritate gum tissue. Overuse can also lead to teeth that are unnaturally white.
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