4 Tips for Keeping Teeth Healthy as You Age

4 Tips for Keeping Teeth Healthy as You Age

It’s all too easy to see signs the signs of aging on the surface as you get another year older – a wrinkle here, a grey hair there – but it’s not so easy to see the effects of aging on your teeth and gums. And there are no cover-up dyes or anti-aging moisturisers for your teeth. You’re stuck with what you’ve been given, so it’s in your best interest to keep your teeth fighting fit as you grow older.

Alongside brushing and flossing – the two absolute staples of good dental health care – here are four more tips for keeping your teeth healthy as you age.

Get Enough Calcium in Your Diet

Calcium has been proven to decrease bone loss and to help keep your teeth and bones strong as you age, so it’s a good idea to keep it a key staple in your diet – and there are plenty of ways to get it, such as milk, cheese, broccoli, and almonds. If you’re dairy intolerant or just simply can’t stand broccoli, you can also get calcium supplements to keep your levels up.

Keep Up Your Oral Hygiene and Dental Appointments

Like we said, brushing and flossing will never stop being a vital part of your dental health. We probably don’t have to tell you, but you should always brush your teeth twice a day and try to floss at least once a day in order to keep your teeth and gums in good nick and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

It’s also important to stick to your dental appointments. Visiting your dentist is always a great way to find out whether there are any little problems that might become big ones if you don’t catch them early.

Don’t Smoke – and Try Not to Drink

Did you know that some studies have shown that smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers? If you fancy keeping hold of all your teeth, now might be a good time to think about kicking the habit for good. Not only can smoking lead to tooth loss and gum disease, but it can cause a whole host of other health issues.

Similarly, you might want to cut back on drinking. While it’s nowhere near as damaging to your dental health as smoking, it can still be cause for concern.

Avoid Sugary, Sticky, and Starchy Foods That Are Hard on Teeth

It’s hardly breaking news to hear that sugary foods are bad for your teeth, but it’s not just sugar that you should think about avoiding. Sticky foods like dried fruit and chewy sweets are prime examples of foods that contribute toward decay, as they tend to linger around your teeth, wearing away the enamel. As well as these, starchy foods like chips and bread can easily get stuck in between your teeth and lead to bacteria that can cause cavities if left unchecked.

At Redbank Plains Dental, your local Riverview  dentist,  we’re here to help with all your dental health needs – and we even offer a discount for eligible pensioners. To find out more about our services, contact us today.