As you age, especially after you turn 40, there can be so much more to worry about than you think. What if you had the ability to absolutely perfect your smile? What if you could change everything that years of living in lockdown have done to your oral health? Join your Woodlands dentist as we break it all down for you, so it’s easy to understand.
Top Tips for Healthy Teeth
1) Water, Water Everywhere
Some articles and research suggest that drinking enough water every day is one of the most beneficial ways to keep your smile in good shape. It’s important to remember that no matter how easy it may be to reach for a fizzy drink or some sweet tea instead, it’s better to drink water whenever you can, especially if your body is dehydrated. When you consciously make an effort to drink more water after you eat meals or a snack, this helps to wash away leftover debris in your mouth and keep your teeth clean in between brushing.
2) Clean Everywhere in Your Mouth
You might think because you brush your teeth every day that you’re in the clear as far as deterioration or decay is concerned. However, there could be more to your at-home oral health care routine that you’re missing out on. Your dentist in The Woodlands can tell you that so many common oral diseases actually start between your teeth, where a brush can‘t always reach. The American Dental Association says that traditional brushing alone only cleans about 60 percent of your smile — what about the areas left behind?
3) Decrease Your Coffee and Alcohol Intake
Because life has been rough on us all over the past few years, it’s easy to turn to things like coffee and alcohol for some relief. However, these beloved beverages could be causing some issues for your oral health. Coffee is highly acidic, leading to a breakdown in your tooth enamel over time, with decay creeping in right behind. Alcohol is no different. It contains a lot of sugar which can worsen tooth decay or gum disease over time.
4) Eat Your Fruit and Veggies
While it’s certainly OK to indulge in some of the fine foods The Woodlands offers, it’s also important to remember to eat healthy too — especially crisp fruit and vegetables. Why? Because they can actually help clean your teeth rather than create a place where decay and cavities can cause trouble for your oral health. Also, the antioxidant vitamins that fruit and veggies contain will help to protect your gums from disease or infection.
In addition to all of these things, it’s important to see your Woodlands dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, too, especially when you’re in your 40s. Let us help you schedule a hassle-free consultation or cleaning and keep your smile healthy and happy.
Dr. Robert Dernick (General, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry, and TMJ)
Dr. Mike Freeman (General, Cosmetic, Implant, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ)
Dr. Alisa Reed (General, Cosmetic, Implant, Laser, Sleep Apnea, and TMJ)
Dr. Wade Williams (Orthodontics)
Dr. Nikita Vakil (General, Cosmetic, Implant Dentistry)
Dr. Leslie Blackburn (Pediatric Dentistry)