Keeping Your Teeth Fresh and Young

Everyone seems to underline on averting the inevitable – aging. Statistics show that people, especially women had begun taking good care of themselves; hence living longer. As a matter of fact, even amid the COVID 19 crisis, the global anti-aging market is growing, and consumers are advocating it. And as media’s mission is to supply what is in demand, its present top priority is feeding the audience with information on how to prevent aging. We are fixated on how to stay young and how to look younger than our age, but we are also inclined to neglect the actuality that aging also affects our oral health.  We are so focused on foiling some of the known aging associated diseases, but we take for granted the basics – our oral health.

Here are some of the most fundamental tips on how to maintain a good oral health.

Visit your dentist regularly.

Just how you visit a dermatologist, you can also be proactive enough to have a routine checkup with a dentist. A routine checkup will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A dentist can certainly identify dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, even on its onset; hence immediate prevention will be made. Aging associated diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes are believed to be correlated with gum infection. A theory states that bacteria from a gum infection can pass through the bloodstream and thus can cause inflammation in other body organs, such as heart. Blood vessels that supply blood to the gums are also being damaged by an uncontrolled diabetes. Oral diseases also cause insulin resistance in the body, leading to more complications and challenging treatments. From the discovery of simple cavities to the detection of possible serious infection, keeping up with routine checkups plays a vital role. Tooth decay and erosion. Decay occurs when substances known as acidic plaque and tartar in the mouth builds up. These are waste products that remain on and sit in between the teeth. Simple steps such as brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash helps in preventing tooth decay. Erosion, on the other hand, is a condition wherein the tooth surface is being worn away by an acid, which dissolves the enamel and the dentine. Enamel, being known as the hardest tissue in the human body covers the crown of the tooth. Dentine, located beneath the enamel helps to support the structure of the tooth. Over time, as we bite, grind, and chew, the enamel may wear away, and eventually reveal the underlying dentine. This is the beginning of having yellow depressions on the tooth surface. Reduced intake of anything acidic helps prevent tooth erosion. Drinking fluoridated water is also suggested rather than soft drinks or juices. Lastly, it is highly advisable to munch on acidic foods with meals rather than snacking throughout the day or in between meals.

Stop smoking.

It has been proven that smokers are more likely to develop gum disease, causing gums to loosen around teeth, causing bacteria to settle in, and even causing teeth to eventually fall out. From a simple discoloration of teeth, bad breath, or tooth decay to severe health implications such as increased risk of oral cancers, smoking performs a lead role. Despite the technology that is so advanced and innovative, that even whitening of the teeth has been made easier and different treatments of oral cancers have also been instituted, it is still best recommended to stop smoking. The increased risk of acquiring serious infection falls radically when you eventually stop intaking nicotine even after being a smoker for many years. Age-related Health Conditions. Numerous medications to treat several age-related health conditions directly impact your oral health too. A common example is a dental illness, known as xerostomia, or the drying of the mouth. Xerostomia can lead to other implications such as difficulty in eating and drinking, tooth decay, and eventually gum infections too. Thus, it is important to work closely with your dentist to maintain your dental care and not compromising the treatment of your health condition.