Oral health is very important for everyone. Especially for people entering their 40s and going beyond, teeth care becomes even more significant. As we age, teeth age as well. So do our gums. Early teeth loss, damaged teeth, and also gum infections are pretty common for different reasons. However, caring for our teeth in daily routines can prolong our oral health efficiently.
Getting your oral hygiene right is the first step toward healthy teeth. In addition to that, there are some lifestyle changes that can guarantee longer-lasting teeth and gums. Complex procedures like dental implants and others will be required if you develop severe problems like gum infections, tooth decay, or teet damage. Here are some tips to help last your teeth longer:
1: Brush Teeth Twice a Day – Basic Oral Hygiene
Brushing the teeth right is very important. There is just so much plaque buildup that may convert into bacteria infections with everyday routines. You need to get all of that out of the mouth. Brushing the teeth is the first step in achieving this and probably the most important stage.
Brush early in the morning for fresher breath and better smile confidence. Also, never go to sleep without that nighttime toothbrush. At night, our mouth develops bacterial infections due to inactivity. It is important to clean it before going to sleep.
Moreover, make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with quality fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is known to strengthen the teeth’ enamel. Also, use fluoride mouthwash after big meals to get most leftover food particles and plaque buildup out. Follow these steps for healthier teeth and gums.
2: Floss Daily Without Excuses
Flossing the teeth is very important. It may look laborious for many people. However, there is much between the teeth that need attention, literally. Those tiny gaps between your teeth can have food particles that may convert into plaque and teeth infections.
There can be food particles converting into harmful bacteria stuck on the gums too. However, floss is just for the spaces between the teeth. Get a good length of floss and wrap it on both index fingers. Use only new unused floss between each teeth gap.
Make sure that the floss doesn’t touch your gums at all. It will bleed the gums if it does. Floss once every day. Usually, the time after your nighttime toothbrush is best for flossing the teeth. Make this a habit and don’t create excuses to skip flossing at all.
3: Say No to Alcoholic and Sugary Beverages
Funny enough, the 40s and going beyond our typical years for too much alcohol usage. Sugary beverages like fruit juices, colas, and others may harm the teeth as well. Carbonated drinks have their own ability to dissolve that teeth enamel making teeth weaker.
Alcoholic and sugary drinks aren’t good for the teeth and the body too. Sugary drinks will leave great amounts of sugar on your teeth and gums. This is what gets converted into complex teeth and gum infections later on.
Drink plenty of plain water. Plain water washes down many unwanted bacteria and plaque in the mouth. This is what can help you avoid complex teeth implants and other procedures. Keep the liquids in your drink clean and enjoy stronger teeth for longer.
4: Eat Fresh Organics, Eat Right
In addition to what you drink, what you eat is very significant too. As we age into the 40s and past, teeth become more sensitive. There is more likelihood that teeth infections can develop from processed foods. Pizzas, burgers, sauces, and other processed foods can leave much bacteria and plaque in the mouth.
Instead, focus on eating fresh organics. Celery, cucumber, and other fruits or vegetables are great choices. These organics are rich in fiber that helps strengthen teeth enamel best. Also, these fresh organics are best for weight watching and body health as well.
Cheeses, sauces, and other processed foods are rich in sugars and other teeth-decaying elements. Eating those more will cause early teeth damage, tooth decay, and gum infections. Avoid these by eating the right foods for your teeth and body.
5: Get Dental Checkups Every Six Months
Dental checkups are very important for people of all ages. Especially, when we reach our 40s and go beyond, dental checkups become even more important. There might be so much lurking in plain sight. It is very hard for people to spot small minor problems that may develop to become bigger issues.
So, visit the dentist every six months even if you don’t have any visible problems. Dentists will be in the best place to spot even the tiniest of problems. Give them the opportunity to spot problems when they start and treat them without becoming larger issues.
6: Visit Dentist at the Earliest If You Observe Any of These:
There are many small problems that often get overlooked by regular people. Also, these minor problems can quickly become larger teeth and gum issues. So, here are some problems that you should never ignore and visit the dentist upon earliest spotting:
- Any smallest dark spots on the crown of your teeth or on any of the sides should never be overlooked. These are early signs of inside teeth infections.
- The smallest chipping of any tooth even the frontal or back teeth should get you to the dentist.
- Any pains or sensations you feel on the gums or in the teeth while drinking or eating hot or cold food/drinks. These are signs of deeper teeth problems.
- Any discoloration of the gums. If your gums start going dark or black, these are signs of gum infections.
- Any teeth yellowing right when it starts. Yellow teeth smile confidence shakers for sure.
