Getting older is truly a privilege — it is nothing to be ashamed of! However, there is also nothing wrong with wanting to maintain your appearance. As the years and decades pass, you might notice some changes in the way your smile looks. This blog post explores what those changes might be and how your cosmetic dentist can help you to achieve or maintain a more youthful smile.
How Aging Could Affect Your Smile
Many people notice the following changes in their smile as they become older:
- Stains and discoloration. It is common for tooth enamel to become thinner with age, making it easier to see the yellowish color of the dentin beneath it. Years of coffee and tea consumption can also darken the teeth.
- Changes in the shape and position of teeth. Some older individuals find that their teeth are gradually shifting, leading to narrower dental arches and an altered bite. Additionally, natural wear and tear can make the teeth appear misshapen.
- Gum recession. Gum disease, overbrushing, and simply the passage of time can lead to gum recession, which can make the teeth appear unusually long.
- Oral health problems. Missing teeth, gum disease, and other oral health issues occur more frequently among older adults. These problems can significantly affect the way your smile looks and feels.
Rely on Your Dentist for Help
While the above information might seem a bit scary, it is encouraging to note that for most people, it is possible to enjoy a youthful and strong smile for an entire lifetime. Some professional treatments that might help include:
- Teeth whitening. Professional bleaching formulas can remove even some very stubborn stains.
- Crowns and veneers. These restorations can hide numerous aesthetic flaws. Crowns can also renew the strength and function of damaged or worn teeth.
- Gum treatments. Gum disease therapy, gum recontouring, and other services can allow you to enjoy healthy, beautiful gums.
- Tooth replacement. Dental implants can allow older adults to regain a strong and beautiful smile.
Other Ways to Protect Your Smile
Your dentist can do much to help you enjoy a youthful and beautiful smile, but you also need to put in a bit of work. Here are some lifestyle habits that can contribute to a healthy and attractive mouth:
- Eat a balanced diet. Try to center your eating choices on nutrient-rich foods that support oral and overall health. For example, you should include lots of veggies and lean proteins in your meal plan.
- Stay active. Frequent exercise can lower your risk of diabetes, a disease that can wreak havoc on your oral health.
- Maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine. If mobility problems make it difficult for you to brush and floss, consider investing in an electric toothbrush and water flosser.
Healthy and confident smiles are not exclusive to young people! Professional dental care and good habits can help you maintain your teeth and gums well into your senior years.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group is proud to offer cosmetic and restorative services for patients of virtually all ages. If you are concerned about the appearance or health of your smile, we can evaluate the situation and design a custom treatment plan to help you achieve your goals. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, get in touch with our Woodbridge office at 203-409-2535.