5 Solutions for Preserving Your Smile
The smile is one of our most powerful, and perhaps most telling, features. Like wrinkles, the appearance of our teeth can reveal our age – whether we like it or not. So, why in the fight against aging are our teeth the most overlooked feature? While it may not be possible to halt the aging process, there are a number of solutions that can help us to minimize some of the telltale signs of aging and restore a more youthful smile.
- Chew with care – Ever chipped a tooth on a piece of ice? Popcorn kernel? Olive pit? These are just some of the foods that can cause a chipped or fractured tooth. Nowadays, cosmetic dentistry can repair a broken tooth with relative ease. However, with a little caution, you may be able to avoid the pain and inconvenience of broken tooth altogether.
- Avoid grinding your teeth – Teeth grinding is a fairly common problem that most frequently occurs during sleep. Grinding has various negative health effects, including head and neck aches. But it also negatively affects the smile. Grinding wears down the enamel and can even lead to facial collapse, which is characterized by deep wrinkles around the nose and chin. Fortunately, this is a problem that can be remedied with a special bite guard, which may not stop the grinding but does prevent further damage.
- Nix harsh habits – Always use a soft toothbrush since hard ones can wear down the enamel, exposing the softer layer of dentin. Brushing this improperly can cause severe damage to the look and health of your teeth. Dentists recommend using a slow, circular motion when brushing the teeth.
- Replace faulty fillings – Improperly fitted fillings may leave room for bacteria to buildup, which leads to decay. They may also make the tooth more susceptible to fracture, especially if the tooth is already cracked.
- Steer clear of acidic foods – Lemons, carbonated beverages, and a whole host of other foods and beverages contain acids that can cause severe erosion of the protective layer of enamel. A good rule of thumb is to always chase acidic foods and drinks with a glass of water. This will help to wash away potentially harmful residue.
Your smile is an asset. Remember to take care of it, so it doesn’t become a liability.
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