Your Teeth and Aging

One of the most common misconceptions is that losing your teeth as you age is inevitable. Given our daily use of chewing and biting with our teeth, some wear and tear is expected. However, it is possible to keep your pearly whites through your silver years.

Here’s what you can do to keep your teeth strong and sparkly for life:

• Avoid sugary and starchy food

Foods which contain sugar and starch are the biggest threat to your teeth enamel. When carbohydrates are broken down, it causes the bacteria in the mouth to produce acids. When teeth are frequently exposed to such acids, the enamel will be ‘eaten away’.

• Oral hygiene

If you are wearing partial or full dentures, remember to clean them as you would your own teeth, at least twice a day. It is also best to remove them at night.

• Quit smoking

Besides putting yourself at higher risk of lung cancer and/or other cancers, smoking also increases gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss.

• Visit your dentist regularly

Whether you have natural teeth, dentures or dental implants, remember to visit your dentist twice yearly for a complete dental check-up.

Remember, it is not a natural process to lose teeth as one age. All it takes is conscientious effort for your teeth to last a lifetime!

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Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services. For details, send an enquiry via www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call 6733 7883.