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Getting older should not mean losing all of your teeth along the way. Older adults can keep smiling by continuing to take good care of their teeth as they age and continuing to do so right into those golden years. Keeping regular dental appointments is a must-do in order to have the best chance of keeping your smile bright no matter your actual age. There are a few additional things that you can do to take better care of your teeth that every person approaching retirement age should consider.

Keep Up on Oral Hygiene

It is essential to keep up on good oral hygiene in order to keep your winning smile intact and healthy over time. Brush, floss and rinse at least twice a day, and preferably more as needed. Use a soft-bristle brush and gentle toothpaste, especially if your teeth or gums seem sensitive to cold, heat or touch. Investing in a top-notch dental water-rinse appliance system, flossing correctly, massaging gums and rinsing your mouth with a dentist-approved mouthwash can help keep your pearly whites looking and feeling terrific. If you have pain or other issues, get in to see your dentist as soon as possible. These could indicate a more serious issue.

Fix Lost and Missing Teeth

Sometimes, people lose one or more teeth due to decay, gum disease or an oral trauma event. This can create a gap or empty space where the tooth used to be. Over time, your other teeth may start to shift in order to fill in that gap. Missing or lost teeth should be fixed with dental bridges, caps or other dental procedures. There are several advantages of dental implants to consider if you’re missing teeth. Dental implants are designed to mesh into your jaw bone, mimicking a natural tooth root. This helps prevent the loss of bone density that can happen over time when natural teeth are missing.

Eat a Nutritious Diet

For good dental health, it is important to eat a nutritious diet. This is the best way to keep your teeth looking their best. Eat foods that are rich in the recommended vitamins and minerals necessary for strong bones and teeth. Avoid high-sugar foods and beverages that can stain teeth, like sodas, coffee and teas. According to Murfreesboro Family Dentistry, when you do eat sugar, you should brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out after. Drink plenty of water instead.

Seniors can maintain their healthy smiles with continued good dental care and by living an overall healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol and tooth-staining beverages like coffee that can erode dental enamel.

Here’s another article you might like: What Are the Benefits of Preventative Care Services?