Oral Health Care Tips for Aging Teeth

Proper oral hygiene is important for everyone, but especially for aging adults, who are more susceptible to gum disease. In fact gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news is that you can prevent tooth loss and gum disease by visiting your dentist regularly and following a good routine for oral care. Here are some tips to help you keep your mouth and teeth healthy and strong well into retirement.

Brush Your Teeth at Least Twice a Day

When you eat, bacteria builds up on your teeth, leaving a thin film that eats away at the enamel. Brushing your teeth regularly will help remove this film. As you age, it’s especially important to brush away bacteria that forms around old fillings and receding gums.

Brush with a soft-bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day. Brushing after every meal is even better. As you brush, keep the toothbrush bristles angled against the gum line, being sure to clean the inner and outer surfaces of each tooth. Brushing your tongue will help remove even more bacteria from your mouth.

Floss Your Teeth Every Day

As important as brushing your teeth is, your toothbrush can’t reach between teeth where bacteria can hide. Flossing will help keep your gums strong and prevent plaque build-up, minimizing your likelihood of developing gum disease. Floss your teeth once a day, preferably before bed. Flossing is the best way to remove plaque from between your teeth and below the gum line.

Eat Healthy, Balanced Meals

Did you know that some foods may actually defend against tooth decay? Antioxidants and other important nutrients found in fruit, vegetables, legumes, and nuts can improve your body’s ability to fight inflammation and infection. In addition, there are certain foods that provide an added benefit to your teeth and gums. If you’re having trouble trying to decide what to snack on, try these:

• Cranberries. Studies have shown that eating fresh cranberries prevents bacteria from bonding to your teeth.
• Calcium fortified foods. Calcium-fortified juices, milk and other dairy products help promote healthy teeth and bones. Cheese provides calcium that mixes with plaque and sticks to teeth, protecting them from decay and helping to rebuild tooth enamel. 
• Fruits and vegetables. Crisp fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, celery, and radishes will naturally clean your teeth and freshen your breath. 

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

The health of your mouth often mirrors the health of the rest of your body. Regular dental check-ups are important for treating and diagnosing dental problems before they become serious, but they are also a way of maintaining good overall health. Unless you are concerned about your oral health, a cleaning and check-up every six months should be all you need.

Lake Dental Clinic has been serving the Camdenton area for more than 40 years. We are committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health now and far into the future. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.

Acidic Foods Threaten Tooth Enamel

When you think of foods that cause tooth decay, you probably think of sugary, sticky foods and drink, but did you know that acidic foods can be just as harmful? High-acid foods and drinks will slowly wear away the outer enamel protecting your teeth, causing cavities, sensitivity and discoloration. Does that mean you have to give up your favorite cup of coffee, glass of wine, or morning grapefruit? Absolutely not! Read on to find out how to prevent acidic foods from damaging your teeth.

How Do Acidic Foods Erode Your Teeth?

The enamel on the outside of your teeth is made primarily of calcium. Unfortunately, acid leaches the calcium from your tooth enamel, causing the protective surface to soften and break down. This process can lead to serious dental problems, so it’s important to pay attention to early warning signs like sensitivity and discoloration. Here are some common signs of tooth erosion caused by acidic foods.

Sensitivity. If you are experiencing pain when you consume hot, cold, or sweet food and drink, it means that your enamel is starting to wear away. The sensitivity will increase as more and more enamel wears away.

• Discoloration. Thinning enamel will eventually expose the underlying dentin, which has a yellowish tinge. 
• Rounded teeth. Your teeth may appear rounded from the wearing away of the enamel. .
• Transparency. Your teeth may appear translucent, especially around the edges. 
• Cracks. As the enamel continues to wear away, small cracks and fissures may start to appear on the surface of your teeth. 
• Cupping. You may notice small dents on the chewing surface of your teeth. 

High-Acidic Food that Damages Tooth Enamel

• Carbonated soft drinks. Sodas and soft drinks all contain high levels of acid, even diet options.
• Wine
• Fruit juice. The most acidic options include lemon, cranberry, orange and apple.
• Citrus fruits. Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, etc.
• Candy. While all candy tends to damage the teeth, sour and chewy candies contain the most acid.
• Sugar. Although sugar doesn’t contain acid, it does promote the growth of bacteria that creates acid in your mouth. 

You can Reduce the Effects of Acid on Your Teeth

You don’t have to give up your favorite acidic foods entirely, but you should use caution if you want to protect your teeth. Here are some tips to reduce the damaging effects of acid on your pearly whites.

• Stop snacking on acidic foods between meals. If you’re craving acidic foods or drink, eat them with other foods at mealtimes. This will reduce their contact with your teeth and help neutralize the acid.  
• Drink water with acidic foods. This will help wash away the acid from your teeth.
• Use a straw. This will minimize the contact between acidic drinks and your teeth.
• Avoid carbonated drinks
• Don’t brush immediately after a meal. Acid softens your enamel, so brushing immediately after eating might actually harm your teeth. Instead, rinse your mouth with water and brush a half hour after eating. 

At Lake Dental Clinic in Camdenton, we’re committed to your oral health. If you’re experiencing sensitivity, discoloration, or transparency, please schedule an appointment.