5 Tips for Aging Patients from Your Dentist in Chesterton
Just because you continue to add more candles to your birthday cake, doesn’t mean you should have fewer teeth in your mouth. Yes, it’s true that everyday wear and tear takes more of a toll on your teeth as you age, but there’s plenty of things you can do to keep your mouth in great shape. Your dentist in Chesterton, IN, either Dr. Arnold or his associates, want you to feel good while your body is maturing. If you want to feel great, stay healthy, and keep your mouth looking great throughout your life, follow these simple tips no matter what age you are:
1. Brush Twice a Day.
Keeping your gums and teeth healthy is very crucial to maintaining your overall oral health, especially as you climb in age. Removing dangerous bacteria, food particles, and plaque is more important than ever as you get older so that your vulnerable teeth aren’t susceptible to tooth decay. Visit our office routinely for gentle, professional cleanings and checkups to make sure your oral health is still on track.
2. Stay Hydrated.
Natural saliva helps clean teeth and protects your mouth from decay. As you get older, your mouth tends to dry faster, doubling your odds for tooth decay. Outside sources like prescription medication could be to blame for the dryness of your mouth. Either way, drink lots of water and/or chew on sugarless gum. If you truly believe that your prescription drugs are causing you to feel dehydrated, talk to your practitioner about switching them.
3. Kick Your Bad Habits.
If you’ve been a tobacco user for most of your life, we understand it can be very hard to stop. The same goes for drinking excessive alcoholic beverages. These habits are bad for your teeth, eroding them, and wearing your enamel. You’re also raising the high risk of developing oral cancer—that of which is extremely hard to fight in your older age just because of your naturally declined immune system.
4. Cut down on Wear and Tear.
Believe it or not, your teeth are still strong—even if you don’t feel like they are anymore. Still, they can be worn down. Chewing, grinding, and biting wears down your teeth, deteriorating enamel and flattening the crows of your teeth. Dr. Arnold and his associates can’t erase all the wear and tear you may have caused, but we can help you from making it worse!
5. Schedule Regular Dental Appointments.
At this point, you shouldn’t be having to ask yourself, “Where is a dentist near me?!” Whether you’re 42, 98, or somewhere in between, you still need professional cleanings every six months along with quality preventive care. During your dental checkups, you will have your mouth, face, and neck examined for any overall health problems. Your dentist will also take dental x-rays to look deeper than what’s visible from the outside and complete your appointment with a professional cleaning to remove harmful bacteria.
Our practice offers outstanding preventive dentistry along with cosmetic dentistry for those patients that wish to repair their flawed smiles at any age. Our office is conveniently located on US 30, just ten minutes from Merrillville. Contact us to keep your smiles bright and healthy whether you’re just beginning your dental health journey or if you’re wishing to maintain your healthy teeth for a few more years!