Imagine how rapidly public views on aging and dental health can be spread. Even while dental diseases might clearly become more common among the public, there are many myths regarding the connection between aging and teeth.
One of the biggest myths is the idea that tooth loss is a normal part of aging and dental health. This is not true at all because your teeth should last you a lifetime. The state of your mouth and teeth directly affects both your general health and your quality of life. As such, this means that you can take better care of the rest of your body and experience greater, longer-lasting health by taking good care of your teeth.
Chronic gum inflammation can develop from long-term dental hygiene neglect and slowly erode the supporting structures of your mouth. As you age, this can lead to tooth loss.
Here are 5 recommendations for maintaining and improving your dental health.
Limit Sugary and Starchy Foods and Drinks
Regardless of your age, eating meals high in sugar or carbohydrates is bad for your teeth. Starchy meals that adhere to teeth and cause plaque encourage bacterial growth, whereas sugary food produces acid that can destroy teeth.
By eliminating processed carbs and sugary meals, you will not only be doing your body a lot of good, but your teeth will also benefit from it. Avoid using artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which have been linked to weight gain, an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, and may further increase your craving for sweets.
Floss and Brush Daily
Maintain your twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing oral hygiene program. A great first line of defense against plaque, decay, and gum disease is consistent brushing and flossing.
Additionally, visit the dentist regularly. If you visit the dentist often, you will be able to detect any potential dental issues early. In contrast, by putting off dentist visits, you run the risk of suffering a dental disease. When you go to the dentist, they may clean your teeth thoroughly and expertly, getting into all the nooks and crannies, leaving your teeth immaculate and your gums in great shape.
Stop Smoking
By reducing blood oxygen levels and diminishing your immune system, smoking might hasten the degradation of your teeth and oral tissues. When paired with aging naturally and smokers’ increased risk of gum disease, oral health may become a significant issue. Oral cancer risk also then significantly increases.
Maintain the Condition of Oral Hygiene Aids
It is essential to make sure that your dental treatment has the best chance of lasting far into the following years ahead. Even though the lifespan of fillings, crowns, and even implants may need to be re-evaluated, your dental health professional’s expert maintenance advice will help you significantly.
For instance, if you wear dentures, make sure to maintain them properly and according to your dentist’s specific maintenance recommendations. Dentures may last a very long time if you take good care of them, just like you would your natural teeth. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice any tenderness, poor breath, or discomfort. Denture wearers should have routine exams; your dentist can advise you on how frequently this should occur.
Have a Balanced Diet
In addition to improving your overall health, a healthy, balanced diet can help you maintain much better oral health. To help balance the oral bacteria in your mouth, be sure to incorporate fermented foods into your diet. They could consist of kefir, cultured yogurt, cheese, butter, and other dairy products that have undergone fermentation.
Certain meals may help to increase your immune system, which may be particularly beneficial as you age and protect you against illnesses and infections, including oral ones. Leafy greens, coconut oil, fresh, raw garlic, and spirulina are excellent meals for boosting the immune system. Vitamin D3 is extremely beneficial for your immune system and mental health, despite the fact that shockingly few people receive enough of it. Additionally, to strengthen your body’s natural defenses, be sure to get outside and take a stroll in the sunshine each day.
