Aging tends to bring about changes in skin tone, hair color, and teeth color. If you’re worried that the color of your teeth is making you look older than you’d like, there are steps you can take to reduce and reverse the signs of aging in your smile. Check out these proven techniques, courtesy of Clinton Dental Center.
Daily Routines to Keep Your Teeth White and Healthy
The things you do on a daily basis can add up to dramatic changes in your smile – good or bad. Having the right oral hygiene habits will help you keep your smile healthy and vibrant as you age. Here are some tips to follow every day:
- Brush your teeth twice every day.
- Floss your teeth at least once per day.
- Avoid drinking dark liquids, such as red wine, soda, or coffee.
- If you do consume dark liquids, brush your teeth about 20 minutes afterward.
- Keep sugar consumption to a minimum to ward off tooth-decaying bacteria.
- Use fluoride-rich oral hygiene products to fortify your enamel.
Strong enamel can help your teeth look brighter because the insides of your teeth are dark. Thin enamel reveals the dark layer of dentin below. If you can preserve your enamel, you can preserve the white appearance of your smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry to Reverse Staining and Brighten Your Smile
Even with good daily oral care, you may see changes in your smile. Teeth whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes can help some, but they likely won’t provide the results you’re looking for. At that point, it’s time to explore cosmetic dentistry services.
Teeth whitening from the dentist can brighten your smile much more than over-the-counter products you can buy from a store. Another option to explore would be Lumineers or porcelain veneers for teeth whitening. If you have targeted discoloration, you may benefit from getting dental bonding or a porcelain crown. There are tons of possibilities to choose from, and each plan can be personalized to fit your goals.
Take Care of Oral Health Issues That Result from Aging (Not Just the Aesthetics)
The underlying oral health issues are even more important than the aesthetic issues. Having a beautiful smile means nothing if you’re in pain every time you eat. See your dentist at least once per year for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning. If you develop sensitivity, inflammation, or pain in your smile, see your dentist right away for solutions. The longer you leave those problems untreated, the more it will take to correct them.
Clinton Dental Center offers comprehensive solutions to preserve and enhance your aging smile. We proudly work with clients of all ages, and we have a combination of cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry services. Contact us at (586) 949-5363 to schedule an appointment with a dentist near you.
