Our aging, changing teeth

 Aging is inevitable. It's the one thing we cannot avoid no matter what we do. Luckily, with technology today, there are a lot of options to keep us looking young on the outside. Plastic surgeries like Botox, facelifts (rhytidectomy), and tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) are a just a few ways to feel rejuvenated again, but have you ever thought about what aging does to your teeth?

1. Disappearing Tooth Enamel
Sugary foods and drinks (especially carbonated soft drinks and sports drinks) are guilty when it comes to  eating away tooth enamel. Preserving tooth enamel is important because it is the protective cover that prevents tooth decay.

Proper oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing are a good way to keep enamel in shape, but if you are looking to really enhance your smile, dental bonding is a good procedure to correct small flaws.

2.  Daily Wear and Tear
Although the overall strength of your teeth doesn't deteriorate over time, they are used a lot, and sometimes take quite a beating. Avoid chips and cracks by watching what you eat. Very hard foods like ice, candies, etc, can do a number on your smile. If you've had dental fillings, or a root canal in the past, make sure to be extra careful.

See your dentist regularly, to check for any damage or broken fillings. The dentist may recommend procedures like dental inlay/onlay, which repairs damage and restores the biting surface of the tooth.

More extensive damage might require something like dental crowns, which improves overall oral hygiene and enhances the beauty of your smile.

3. Those Pesky Stains
Many things contribute to stained, yellowed teeth. Tea, coffee, red wine and tobacco are the biggest offenders. Stains also form because of the natural build-up of plaque, which can be removed by your dentist during routine exams.

There is only so much you can do to prevent stains. Daily oral hygiene and avoiding things known to stain teeth can help, but sometimes it's just not enough. Thankfully, technology today allows us to achieve a bright, white smile easily and quickly. A few options include: at-home whitening kits, in-office teeth whitening, and in the most extreme cases, dental veneers. Dental veneers are usually a bit of an investment for patients, however, they are really durable and prevent further tooth decay, staining and can give you a perfect-looking smile.

4. Last, but Certainly Not Least, Gum Disease
 Healthy gums mean a healthy smile. Gum disease impacts your entire mouth, so it's important you take good care of them. Signs of gum disease include: sore, bleeding and swollen gums. If you find you have a "gummy smile", you may want to consider gum recontouring, which uses a laser to remove extra gum tissue to enhance your smile.

This may sound like a broken record, but regular check-ups by your dentist are the best way to prevent gum disease and other ailments. Brushing and flossing every day really does wonders to maintain good oral health.

Proper oral hygiene not only keeps your smile shiny and white, it also helps keep you in top physical condition. Research shows that gum disease and plaque are linked to heart disease, heart attacks, stroke and pneumonia. So make sure to brush and floss those pearly whites, and if you'd like to find out more about brightening up your smile, find a dentist near you.