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Your teeth can easily decay as they age because they come in contact with so many sugars, acids and more over the years. This happens on a daily basis. Plaque is made when your mouth bacteria mixes with sugars in the foods and drinks you ingest. That plaque sticks to your teeth, and the acids in it break up the minerals (demineralize) in your teeth, decaying them. Decay spreads from there. Over time, you will see your teeth start to change from white to gray to black as decay sets in. This can happen all over.
Acids in foods and drinks can also make your teeth thinner, especially with age. Thinning teeth are teeth that have a thinner tooth enamel (outer) layer of minerals, which can then start to show the inner layer more. That is why thin teeth may appear more yellow or gray. There is also a natural shifting of teeth with age as the mouth becomes narrower, which can cause the teeth to become crooked. This makes them harder to clean, which also leads to decay. You can have tooth erosion, thinning, color changes, crookedness and decay to your natural teeth as you age if you don’t take steps to keep them healthy.
How Do You Keep Your Teeth Healthy?
There are basics for oral care that you hear constantly from dentists, and it’s for a reason. Brushing and flossing your teeth won’t only help them stay clean, but they will help you keep your natural teeth for life instead of experiencing tooth loss with age. The American Dental Association recommends oral hygiene care such as:
- Brushing your teeth every single day, at least 2 times a day (or after every meal), for at least 2 minutes at a time. Brush with fluoride toothpaste.
- Use fluoride products (like the toothpaste). Fluoride comes in gels and foams and is a mineral that will help prevent demineralization of the teeth and tooth decay.
- Floss 1-2 times a day, making sure to use new floss each time. Floss up into your gum line between all the teeth and scrape your teeth as you go to remove extra plaque.
- Use mouthwash with fluoride to both strengthen your teeth and to kill decay-causing bacteria that will produce plaque.
- Visit the dentist at least twice a year for dental cleanings, comprehensive exams and oral cancer screenings.
These types of oral care habits will keep your natural teeth healthy for many more years than skipping them. You can even keep your natural teeth without tooth loss into old age.
Even though tooth decay and tooth loss is fairly common, it doesn’t mean that it has to be common with you. You can avoid oral health diseases and keep your natural teeth for life if you avoid substances that hurt your teeth. Follow an oral hygiene routine every single day and visit the dentist. If you need to schedule your dental cleaning and exam, call us today at 305-324-5072!
