No matter the area of life, aging takes a toll on everything. Over time, wear and tear begins to win the battle and the effects can at times be devastating. Some believe that teeth are not affected by aging;but this is simply not the case. Your teeth are strong, but over time they can be worn down. All the chewing and biting eventually weakens the enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth. And the part of your teeth you use to bite and tear things becomes flattened and dull. In some cases, dental implants or dentures can provide a long-lasting, restorative solution. But, you can also slow wear and tear by not eating hard foods like ice or anything that will chip away your enamel.
Maintain your Gums
Plaque is a bacterium that will always form on your teeth. Unless removed, it will cause soreness and bleeding in your gums; it may even cause infections that will damage the bone below. Here Perdido Bay Dental, Dr. Djuric has years of experience treating periodontitis, a serious gum disease. If you allow it to go untreated, it will harm your gums and bones, which will lead to having your teeth removed and the need for dentures or implants. You should be aware and keep an eye out for certain symptoms that will let you know you have or may have gum disease. These include:
- Severe bleeding while brushing teeth
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Terrible breath
Keep your Mouth Moist
Saliva is important to keeping clean teeth and protecting the mouth from decay. As you get older you tend to produce less saliva and as a result your chances of tooth decay increase. To prevent this you should drink more water each day, and reduce your sugar intake. Weakened or worn enamel can cause your teeth to become sensitive and susceptible to tooth decay and gum diseases. Prevention is better than cure, be sure to brush and floss often. Also, be sure to visit the dentist regularly.
Acid
Sodas and fruit juices all have acid in them, sugary and starchy foods will lead your mouth to produce acid. Acid will wear the enamel on your teeth and cause issues for your mouth. When you drink these types of drinks, be sure to follow it up with milk or cheese to cancel the effect. Eat starchy foods with main meals, not snacks. During main meals, your saliva is produced the most, which aids in washing away the acid.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Djuric, please reach out today. Feel free to call or text (850) 898-9660.