Teeth and gums age differently for different people. Most of this has to do with oral care and hygiene routines. People who take good care of their oral hygiene, can have healthier teeth for longer. As you go past the 40 years mark, the body starts to age naturally. Teeth and gums can easily develop infections and unwanted problems with them too.
Decaying teeth, gum infections, pain sensations in the mouth and even teeth falling out are few of the extreme problems. Ignored teeth hygiene routines often cause people to need complex procedures like crowns, teeth implants and others. So, if you want your teeth to stay healthy past 40, make sure to follow these oral care tips below:
1: Give Up Tobacco Altogether
Tobacco is straight out bad for you. There is no other way of putting it. In addition to being bad for your body health, tobacco is particularly oral health damaging as well. All forms of tobacco consumption end up damaging your teeth and gums in the worst way possible.
Some people even chew on tobacco. This is the worst thing you can do. Yellowing or even browning of teeth, deep teeth and gum infections and whatnot, are all caused by tobacco. So, quit tobacco including smoking and chewing it. You will live a lot healthier life as a result.
2: Do Not Brush Teeth After Sugary Acidic Foods or Drinks
Teeth have a layer of enamel on them. This layer protected the inner part of the bone from infections and weakening. Also, this layer can get weaker when we eat sugary or acidic foods. Acids and sugars tend to dissolve some part of enamel upon contact. However, enamel recovers quickly.
So, it is recommended to not brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after consuming sugary acidic foods or drinks. Brushing the teeth after such foods can take the enamel off more than it needs to be. Leave a good gap between acidic sugary foods and toothbrushing for best results.
3: Get Professional Teeth Cleaning Every Six Months
Of course, everyone wants clean, white teeth. Also, yellowing of teeth over time is natural. As we go past the 40-year mark, teeth can develop thin yellow layers. At times, these yellow layers can be quite distorted at different places as well. This most likely will not be cured with home oral hygiene.
So, it is always a great idea to visit the dentist every six months for professional teeth cleaning. Get rid of that dental chair fear if you have any. Teeth cleaning will not include any complex procedures at all. It will make your teeth look fresh and healthy quickly.
4: Use Fluoride Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Teeth enamel is very important. Also, it dissolves every day with food and drinks consumption. Fluoride is known to be good for teeth enamel strengthening it quickly. So, make sure to use quality fluoride toothpaste when brushing the teeth. This will help teeth enamel to stay strong.
Also, it is important to use fluoride mouthwash after big meals during the day. Mouthwashes are antibacterial keeping your mouth clean from possible infections. There is no brand specification. Just ensure that your toothpaste and mouthwash have enamel in it.
5: Set the Right Toothbrushing Habits
Toothbrushing is the most important and most contributing home oral hygiene activity. However, you need to do it right in order to get maximum benefit from it. Usually, people think of toothbrushing to be quite simple and basic. However, only the right kinds of habits make your teeth last longer.
- Use a soft bristled toothbrush and always be gentle on teeth and gums
- Run the toothbrush at a near 45-degree angle to the gums when cleaning them
- Brush on your tongue and also on all walls of the mouth as well
- Brush your teeth twice every day, early morning and before going to bed
- Replace your toothbrush every few months
6: Floss Daily to Avoid Teeth and Gum Infections
Those smallest of gaps between your teeth can actually hold on to food bits. These bits can quickly convert into sugars and plaque. Bacterial infections soon follow when left unchecked. Also, brushing the teeth doesn’t always remove plaque and food bits from between the teeth.
You need to floss your teeth daily to clean them properly. Floss after that nighttime toothbrush and only use new piece of floss for each gap. Wrap a good amount on both index fingers and keep wrapping used one and exposing new bits of it. Do not let the floss touch the gums at all. Infections caused by food bits stuck between the teeth can cause complex problems that will need procedures like dental implants.
7: Improve the Quality of Your Diet
Along with oral hygiene, you need to improve your diet as well going past 40. Focus more on crunchy organics like celery, cucumbers, broccoli and others. Processed foods, carbonated and alcoholic beverages can all weaken your teeth and gums speeding up infections and whatnot.
Also, do not juice your fruits often. Juicing fruits removes important fibers and leaves more acidic materials in them. Eat fruits whole as much as possible. Keep a healthy diet. It will help your stay energetic and in best shape along with lasting your teeth long as well.
Final Words
Normal aging can age the teeth as well. You need to develop the right kinds of oral care and hygiene habits to last teeth long. Avoid infections and major teeth problems by following all these tips mentioned above. Live a healthy lifestyle to keep teeth looking and feeling food for longer.
