Smile changes with age. For a healthy smile, teeth play a vital role at every stage of your life. Here are some do's and don'ts to consider for a healthy smile.

1. HAMBURG DENTAL CARE
BARRY N. EISENMAN, DMD
How Your
Smile
Changes as
You Age
USE YOUR SMILE TO CHANGE THE
WORLD; DON’T LET THE WORLD
CHANGE YOUR SMILE.”

2. Cultivate Your
Own Path
As we start to age, our bodies go through a multitude of
changes. Amongst these changes include some serious
shifts to your smile.
According to the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 adults aged 65 or older have lost
all their teeth.
Harvard Health reports that almost 75 percent of people
who are over the age of 65 have a higher rate of dental
decay, tooth loss, mouth infections, and gum disease.

3. As we age, it is common to find that our teeth will start to
move. The reason for this is because the bones located in
the lower and upper jaw begin to weaken.
As bones become weaker, it’s easy for teeth to start to
move in and turn. Orthodontic devices such as Invisalign or
braces can help fix your teeth and keep them in place as
you start to age.
Having straight teeth helps keep your teeth and gums
healthy. It allows you to brush properly and maintain your
dental health.
Typically, shifts in teeth alignment occur slowly. Which
means that it can often be corrected without invasive
treatments.
The following are ways in which your smile
changes as you age:
How Teeth Shift
with Age

4. We are all familiar with dry mouth and the uncomfortable
sensation it causes. But did you know that dry mouth
causes more than just an uncomfortable feeling? Dry mouth
also affects our teeth.
The most common causes of dry mouth include certain
medications, alcohol, cigarettes (and other tobaccos), and
caffeine.Along with these contributing factors, our salivary
glands also produce less saliva as we age.
Without saliva, our teeth are in danger of decay, bacterial
growth, or cavities. Furthermore, in the absence of saliva,
tooth enamel breaks down faster.
Staying hydrated is the best way to combat dry mouth.
Additionally, staying away from alcohol, cigarettes, and
caffeine will help.
Combat Dry Mouth

5. Human teeth are very strong, but they are not
indestructible. Teeth can handle many years of gnashing,
shredding, and chewing. But, over time the protective
enamel on teeth begins to break down.
Weak tooth enamel can lead to discoloration, sensitivity to
hot and cold, and an increased vulnerability to tooth decay
and cavities.
To protect teeth, strengthening your tooth enamel will
help. Refrain from biting your nails or any hard substances
that could harm your teeth.
Routine dental care will help keep your teeth strong. It’s
recommended that you visit your dentist every six months
for a cleaning.
Normal Wear-and-
Tear of Teeth

6. Another common change to your smile as you age is the
yellowing of the teeth. As the enamel starts to wear down,
the dentin or yellow inside of the tooth can start to show
through.
Staining from wine, tobacco, coffee, and tea can also cause
teeth to yellow.
There are several teeth whitening agents available that can
help with yellowing teeth. Speak to your dentist about the
options that will work best for you.
Are Your Yellow
Teeth Healthy?

7. Visit your dentist for regular checkups
Use toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride
FLOSS
Avoid sugary foods and drinks
Maintain a well-balanced diet rich in whole grains,
fruits and vegetables, and proteins and dairy products.
Weak tooth enamel can be caused by several factors. These
factors include medication, poor nutrition, childhood
diseases, and heredity.
To strengthen tooth enamel, consider the following
options:
How To Strengthen
Tooth Enamel
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