While we all know the importance of taking care of our health, sometimes our oral health can fall by the wayside. As we get older and hit our 40s and beyond, it becomes even more essential to look after your gums and teeth. So what is it that we all need to remember as we get older?
Regular Dentist Appointments
It’s very simple but there are plenty of dental providers such as https://aadentalcareva.com/ballston-dentist/ that will give you a real insight into if you are doing enough to protect your teeth. As we get older, our brushing technique can fall by the wayside. If your dentist has been suggesting you upgrade to an electric toothbrush but you’ve heard stories that it’s bad for the enamel, you can still use a manual toothbrush, but make sure that you have that brushing technique down. When in doubt, ask your dentist for a reminder. Because as we get older and we feel that we just want to get to bed quicker, brushing our teeth seems to be one of those things that we rush. Ensure that you are brushing properly for 2 minutes.
Address Your Stress Levels
While it might be something you don’t necessarily consider to have a direct impact on your oral health, being stressed can result in what is known as bruxism. This is teeth grinding, which can cause tooth damage and jaw pain. You can find out more about bruxism at https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bruxism/ and if you do grind your teeth or you find yourself waking up with jaw pain, speak to your dentist about using a mouth guard as this could protect your teeth from injury that may result in having teeth taken out further down the line. If you find yourself experiencing chronic stress as you get older, it’s time to engage in stress reduction techniques.
Always Remember the Basics
When it comes to oral hygiene, the simple things never change. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth out will ensure you’re doing everything you can to prevent dental issues. When it comes to flossing, you might find that the floss you are using is not getting in between the teeth properly. In these instances, think about swapping out the floss for mini brushes, such as TePe interdental brushes. They come in different sizes and can get to those hard-to-reach areas easier than standard floss.
Do Not Forget the Impact of Medical Conditions
As we get older, there are certain medical conditions that can affect our oral health. Diabetes is one such example, so make sure that you are keeping your dentist updated about any changes in your overall health. Diabetes can impact your oral health because if the sugar level is too high in your blood, it’s also high in your saliva, which can then cause tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease.
Taking care of your oral health in your 40s should not just be about doing the bare minimum, but it’s now at this point where you’ve got to make investments in your health and well-being so you can be happier and keep your teeth in better shape as you get older.
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