The aging mouth can be one of the most common problems that people face as they get older. The mouth can experience a number of issues such as dry sockets, breaking teeth, and more. But there are some things you can do to keep it younger in terms of its health and appearance while also boosting your oral hygiene routine.
Here are nine tips you can try:
1. Brush, Brush, Brush!
It sounds like too much information but brushing your teeth is the first step to better oral hygiene. And if you aren’t doing it, then you should start now. Make sure that when you do brush, you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush and differentiating between the upper and lower teeth with two separate brushes. Just having one kind of brushing action can create an imbalance in your mouth, which could lead to future problems such as gum disease or even loss of teeth.
2. Visit the Dentist at Least Twice a Year
If you’re not visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning, then it’s time to make an appointment! Visiting the dentist regularly will keep a check on the health of your teeth and gums. But also, it’s necessary to have a professional clean your mouth so that you can remove tartar, plaque, bacteria, and more from your teeth. This will not only get rid of bad breath, but it’ll help get rid of plaque buildup before it becomes too noticeable!
3. Increase Your Water Intake
Water is great for removing stains from our teeth–and believe me, having white teeth is way better than yellow or discolored ones. Drinking water helps prevent cavities by rinsing out mouth acids and sugars that might be lingering in between your teeth or on tooth surfaces. It also keeps saliva levels high, which means your mouth stays moist, and the bacteria that causes bad breath doesn’t have the chance to grow in your mouth.
4. Avoid Foods Most Likely to Stain
The most common foods that cause stains are coffee, tea, red wine, and colored berries or juices. For example, if you drink coffee that’s loaded with creamers or sugars, then this will seep into the cracks of teeth and discolor your smile over time. While juice is full of color, it might be acidic, which can wear away enamel.
5. Replace Missing Teeth
If you’re missing several teeth, then consider replacing them by getting dentures or dental implants. Replacing missing teeth is important because it preserves the natural shape of your mouth, which also affects your smile, speech, and comfort when you eat.
6. Use a Mouthwash
Using a proper mouthwash can help diminish plaque and bad breath, but watch out for ones that contain alcohol or sodium lauryl sulfate. These ingredients can actually be harmful to your teeth and gums, so look out for the ADA seal on any product you use too!
7. Fix Any Misalignment
The way your teeth sit in your mouth can affect the look of your smile, but it also affects how you chew and talk too. A misaligned bite (or malocclusion) can cause pain in your jaw, neck, back, and head. So if you’re experiencing any of these problems, then visit an orthodontist who can fix any misalignment or malocclusion.
8. Quit Smoking!
Changing your bad habits is probably the hardest thing to do, but it’s one of the most important things for keeping your smile healthy and young-looking too. Smoking dries out your mouth, and it also increases your chances of developing gum disease–two things you definitely don’t want to happen! The good news is that after a certain period without smoking, your bad breath will become a thing of the past because the bacteria in your mouth won’t have anything to feed on.
9. Go for Regular Teeth Cleanings
When you visit the dentist for check-ups, be sure to schedule teeth cleaning too. The hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup that could lead to yellowing or discoloration of your teeth if left alone. Plus, they’ll also help whiten your smile by using special tools, so get your teeth cleaned today!
Maintaining a healthy, younger-looking mouth doesn’t have to be difficult. By following the nine tips we’ve outlined in this article, you can keep your smile looking great and your oral hygiene routine on track! And if you’re experiencing any problems with your mouth, such as tooth decay or gum disease, be sure to see a dentist for treatment. Keep up the good work, and enjoy that youthful smile for many years to come!
