In the America, more than 10,000 people reach the retirement age of 65 each day. As people age, many health problems start to come to the surface: joint pain, lower energy, skin health issues, and more. However, one aspect of aging that many people tend to neglect is their dental health and teeth. Taking care of your dental health over time can help you secure a smile you love later on in life. Use some of these tips to keep your smile shining bright for years to come.
Eating Right
Your diet is just as important for your dental health as it is for the rest of your overall health. The right vitamins and minerals are essential to the development and maintenance of strong bones, including your teeth. Look to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, and incorporate a variety of different nutritious foods as often as possible. If you’re something of a picky eater, it might be worth experimenting with different varieties of fruits and vegetables, or even just preparing them differently. There are 2,500 varieties of apples grown in the U.S. alone, and 7,500 grown around the world; with that many different varieties, there’s sure to be at least one you enjoy as an occasional snack.
Don’t Forget Your Gums
Many people understand the importance of regular brushing, but will often overlook flossing and gum care. Your gums, while often ignored, are essential to keeping your teeth healthy as you age. Gums are responsible for keeping teeth in place, and gum disease can often cause dental issues over time. A whopping 46% of adults 30 years or older show early signs of gum disease, and severe gum disease affects about 9% of adults. You can avoid gum disease by flossing regularly and paying attention to any signs of irritation or infection in this area, such as redness or swelling.
Avoiding Harmful Habits
While you might be actively working on improving your health most of the time, there might be a few pesky habits you’ve been holding onto since you were younger. Smoking and using tobacco products, for example, is a habit that many people struggle to break due to the cycle of addiction. However, tobacco has been proven to harm your dental health, causing increased damage the longer you’ve been using it. Similarly, other poor habits can negatively impact your dental health long-term, including teeth-grinding, regular coffee-drinking, and more. Try to cut down on these habits as much as possible as you age, replacing with healthier alternatives as much as possible.
Get To Know Your Dentist
For many adults, scheduling a dentist appointment is something to be done only when there is an active health concern, such as a serious toothache. However, this way of thinking does little to prevent dental health issues or assist in routine dental health maintenance. Instead, try to stick to a consistent schedule and visit your dentist on a regular, routine basis. Dentistry is considered one of the 10 most trusted and ethical professions in the United States, so you can feel confident that your dentist is working with your best interest in mind. Sticking to a routine schedule will help you identify dental health issues sooner before they cause discomfort, making it easier to treat and more likely that the issues won’t impact your smile as you get older.
Quality dental healthcare can help you fight many signs of aging with your smile. Talk to your dentist to learn more ways that you can help improve your smile over time.
