4 Tips to Protect Your Teeth As You Get Older

If you are an older adult, you might start to worry about whether you can keep your teeth in the years to come. You might also wonder if there is anything special you should start doing to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and beautiful. Fortunately, dental technology has come a long way in recent years. Here are 4 tips to protect your teeth as you get older.

Modern dentistry offers more options than ever before. One of the best ways to protect your teeth is to ensure that you are up to date on the latest tools and techniques. For example, you might consider replacing old, worn out metal fillings with tooth-colored composites that are chemically bonded to your teeth. Perhaps you have wondered if you would benefit from recalcification, in which strong fluoride paste is used to rebuild tooth enamel. Maybe you have an older dental bridge that is reaching the end of its useful life.

You might also be behind on the latest recommendations for excellent oral hygiene. Schedule some time to sit down with your dentist and go over the ways in which you can improve the health and beauty of your smile.

Research shows that the vast majority of people do not brush their teeth properly with a manual toothbrush. For example, did you know that you are supposed to brush for a total of two minutes each time? Choose an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer that can also get into the hard to reach areas around your back teeth and between your teeth and gums. This is a simple switch that can make a real difference in your current and future oral health.

If you grind your teeth, you can actually wear away about a millimeter of tooth structure each year. Teeth clenching is equally destructive, wearing down the bone that supports your teeth. Modern night guards are small and comfortable, and they can prevent significant damage to your teeth and their support structures.

Supermarket and drugstore shelves are filled with oral care products of every description, from toothpaste for sensitive teeth to medicated mouthwashes. Yet it makes little sense to spend your money haphazardly on products that may not be right for you.

There are four basic types of dental patients. Some are prone to cavities, others to gum disease. Still others have teeth that stain easily, while others have sensitive teeth. Determine which type of patient you are (ask your dentist if you are unsure), and then focus on products that fight the issue you actually have.

Dentistry has come a long way in the past few years. If you are concerned about protecting your teeth as you age, you now have more options than ever before. Sit down with your dentist to learn what modern dentistry can do for you.

If you are searching for an experienced, trustworthy dentist in Framingham, we invite you to contact Metrowest Prosthodontics today at (508) 620-6622 to schedule your first appointment.