• It’s a fact: Your teeth age right along with you.
• Years of everyday wear and tear add up and definitely take a toll.
• Your teeth are pretty resilient, however, given all that mashing and gnashing they’ve done over the years.
GUM DISEASE
One of the most harmful things to the health of your teeth, the risks of gum disease increase with age. Tiny pockets form at the gum line where bacteria can grow. If left untreated, these bacterial infections can damage connective tissue and bone, leading to tooth loss.
WHAT TO DO:
- Get a dental check-up twice a year
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Brush and floss at least twice a day
WEAR and TEAR
The function of your teeth is mostly mechanical…to mash and chew and grind food to make it digestible. For the most part teeth are resistant to cracking and chipping; they do not become more brittle with age. However, dentists often see patients with chips and cracks…commonly from biting down hard on something like a kernel of un-popped corn or an olive pit.
Bruxism or teeth grinding caused by stress is another common cause of tooth wear and tear.
WHAT TO DO:
- Avoid chewing ice
- Visit your dentist to check for bruxism
- Check your olives!
EROSION
What are two of the biggest threats to your teeth? Sugars and Starches. These carbohydrates ferment, causing mouth bacteria to produce acids…which eat away at the enamel of your teeth.
Small pits form and tooth decay finds those pits…resulting in cavities.
Sweetened carbonated beverages are also problematic because carbonation increases acid levels in the mouth. Sports drinks have also been singled out as tooth enamel enemies.
WHAT TO DO:
- Â Take it easy on sugary foods, carbonated soft drinks and sports drinks
- Cap that sugar craving by chewing sugarless gum
- Avoid frequent snacking
- Pay attention to your daily dental hygiene!
Dr. Winter wants you to help you have the best-looking smile every day of your life!
Call us at 414-377-5711 to schedule an appointment and make your teeth happy!
