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Are Your Teeth Giving Away Your Age

Are Your Teeth Giving Away Your Age

7 Real Dental Habits to Help You Keep Your Smile Younger, Longer!

Dr. Foxy
April 24, 2025

🌟 If you’ve noticed more cavities, sensitive teeth, or receding gums as you get older—you’re not imagining it. Teeth don’t age like fine wine… unless you take action.

50% of adults over 60 have root cavities—and most don't feel a thing until it's serious. But here's the good news: A few small changes can keep your smile strong for decades.

🔬 The Aging Smile: Why It Happens

After 50, three key changes make teeth more vulnerable:

1️⃣ Thinner enamel – Primarily caused by:

Acid erosion from diet (soda, citrus), GERD, or dry mouth
Bruxism (nighttime grinding) – can wear 10x faster than normal chewing
Abrasive wear from some whitening toothpaste or DIY remedies (baking soda, charcoal)

2️⃣ Receding gums – Exposes softer root surfaces, leading to decay.

3️⃣ Dry mouth—Medications (for blood pressure, allergies, and anxiety) reduce saliva, your mouth's natural protector.

The result? More cavities, sensitivity, and even fractures—even if you've never had issues before.

✅ Your Action Plan (No Fluff, Just Fixes)

1️⃣ Ditch the Hard Toothbrush

"While stiff bristles alone don't erode enamel, they:

✔ Damage gums – Accelerating recession (exposing cavity-prone roots)

✔ Wear tooth structure – When paired with abrasive toothpaste or aggressive scrubbing

✔ Increase sensitivity – By exposing dentin faster than soft bristles

Switch to soft bristles + gentle pressure – your gums and enamel will thank you."

2️⃣ Fluoride Isn't Just for Kids

It's your enamel's best friend! Ask your dentist about high-fluoride toothpaste (like Prevident) to remineralize weak spots and prevent root cavities.

3️⃣ Fight Dry Mouth—Before It Causes Decay

500+ medications cause dry mouth, which triples cavity risk. Try this:

Sip water frequently.

Chew xylitol gum (it starves cavity-causing bacteria).

Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes—they dry you out more.

Waterpik

4️⃣ Floss Without the Struggle

If arthritis makes flossing tough, a water flosser is a game-changer. Studies show it reduces gum bleeding better than string floss!

5️⃣ Snack Less, Rinse More

Every sip of coffee or bite of food creates 20+ minutes of acid attacks. Limit grazing, and rinse with water after eating to neutralize acids

6️⃣ Don’t Wait for Pain to See the Dentist

Gum disease and oral cancer are often painless at first. Even if you have dentures, get annual soft-tissue checks—early detection saves smiles.

7️⃣ Stop Nighttime Grinding

Are you waking up with jaw pain or headaches? You might be grinding.

A custom nightguard protects teeth from cracks and wear (drugstore ones can make it worse).

🦷 Bonus: Adaptive Tools That Help

"Struggle with grip or dexterity? Try:

Electric toothbrushes (easier to hold, clean better).
Floss holders or pre-threaded floss (no tricky fingers).
Thick-handled brushes (great for arthritis).

Ask your dentist about prescription-strength fluoride or dry mouth products tailored to your needs.

Chewing xylitol gum 5x/day can cut cavity risk by 40%—it starves cavity-causing bacteria.

🔥 Quote of the Week…

“You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

— C.S. Lewis

💬 Your Next Step (Pick One!)

Book a fluoride treatment (yes, even if you hate the taste—we have better options now!).
Reply to this email with your biggest dental frustration—I'll tackle it next week!
Forward this to a friend who "hasn't seen a dentist in years."

Your smile doesn't have to age faster than you do. Let's keep it strong!

Stay Smiling😊

Until next time,

SMILE COUTURE

Where Wellness, Meets Wow!