From your first baby tooth to your wisdom teeth, you and your smile have always been inseparable. Your teeth are made to withstand daily use and the test of time, helping you chew your food and speak, which are two critical components of living! As you begin to age, you may not be able to put your finger exactly on what, but you’ll notice that your smile changes along with all of the other signs of aging you’re experiencing as well. Read on to learn four ways you can expect your smile to change as you get older and what you can do to maintain your youthful glow.
Yellowing Teeth
This change is no surprise to many people. After all, if you wake up and immediately grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee every morning or indulge in a glass of red wine at night, you likely know why your teeth have discolored! Eating other foods and beverages, such as tomato-based sauces and curry, can also lend to this change, as well as taking certain medications.
The good news is that you don’t have to cut everything you love out of your diet to maintain a brighter smile. Professional teeth whitening treatment can help break up surface-level and deep stains within two weeks!
Lower Jaw Bone Density
As we age, the body breaks down (resorption) bone faster than it can produce new bone. Risk factors such as low vitamin D and calcium, smoking, alcohol use, and sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to this. What many people don’t think about is that this can impact their jawbone as well. Because the jawbone acts as the anchoring foundation of your teeth, as it becomes less dense, it can lead to an increased risk of loose or lost teeth.
To prevent lower bone density in your jaw, be sure to check-in with your dentist at least every six months, maintain good oral hygiene practices at home, and speak with your dentist and primary care physician about healthy habits you can develop that can help with this.
Gum Recession
Similar to the reason why your bone density lowers with age, you may also notice your gum tissue become affected as you age. Recession is when the gums pull back from the teeth, exposing their roots. Gum disease, known as periodontal disease, can also cause this to occur. Because gum tissue doesn’t regrow on its own, this can have a permanent impact on your smile.
In order to prevent or slow gum recession as you age, it’s important to only use a soft-bristled toothbrush and refrain from brushing with too much pressure. If the issue progresses and puts your teeth at risk, you can also speak with your dentist about other treatment options, like gum grafting.
Shifting Teeth
As your bone density decreases, you may also notice that your teeth shift to accommodate the narrowing dental arches. This can start to happen as early as in your 30s, but occurs naturally with time due to the daily pressure of biting and increased bone resorption. If your teeth shift to the point of causing a bite problem, your dentist may recommend orthodontic intervention in combination with a bone graft or other treatment.
About the Practice
At Long Family Dental of Midlothian, we are proud to be family-owned and operated since we opened our doors over 40 years ago. Today, second-generation dentists of the Long family, Dr. Bob and Dr. Chris, are proud to carry on their father’s legacy of providing first-class, compassionate dental care. Our goal is to help patients address all of their dental concerns, from aesthetics to health, under one roof! For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 972-775-3192.