| How Teeth Change As We Age |
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As we go from infants and toddlers to adults, our teeth go through obvious changes. The baby teeth come out and permanent teeth grow in, and eventually, the wisdom teeth emerge. However, those are not the only changes our teeth go through as we age. Going from young adults to elderly changes our teeth as well. Some of these changes take place on the tooth-level, while others take place at the gum or even bone-level.
Aging leaves us facing weaker enamel and makes it to where we are more susceptible to developing cavities and deeper levels of tooth decay. Our gums naturally recede some as we get older, plus our jawbone begins to lose some of its strength. Over time, we go from having super-strong bones to bones that become more porous and start to look like a sponge on a microscopic level. This naturally takes place with time, but by keeping up with our oral health, we can delay how quickly these changes happen to some degree. However, if you neglect your oral health or oral hygiene, this will happen more rapidly than you may be ready for.
If you want help keeping your teeth strong and healthy as you get older, then make sure to keep up with coming to our office every 6 months. Plus, if you notice an issue between regular visits, call us to and schedule a time to have a look. We can then see what is going on and set up a treatment to help if necessary.
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| Things That Are Eating Away at the Enamel of Your Teeth
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Your teeth are always susceptible to damage, but this risk rises exponentially when you consume a lot of acidic foods or beverages. Acids are one of the most dangerous substances the enamel of your teeth can face. It comes from the foods you eat, the beverages you drink, and from the bacteria naturally living in your mouth. Aside from acids, there are also other problems that can ruin the enamel of your teeth. Simply brushing too hard can remove small bits of the enamel from your teeth. The same goes with brushing too soon after eating, since you need to restore your pH before you brush.
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| Three Ways to Protect Your Enamel |
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The enamel is an important part of your teeth, so it is important to take steps to protect it. Consider employing some of the following strategies:
• Brush gently. Brushing too aggressively can cause the enamel to wear down, so use gentle strokes and soft-bristled brush.
• Reduce your sugar intake. Sugar is bad news when it comes to the teeth, as it will produce acid that will cause the enamel to soften and eventually wear away.
• Avoid dry mouth. Saliva is crucial for keeping your mouth healthy, so make sure that your mouth is well lubricated in order to protect your teeth.
If you are concerned about the health of your enamel, contact your dentist to set up an appointment.
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