Just as every part of our bodies, our mouths are subject to the woes of aging. Small daily habits which are harmless on a small scale may end up causing cumulative effects on both the structure and the appearance of your smile. If you are a heavy consumer of coffee, soda, wine, or any dark foods/beverages on a regular basis, deep stains are likely to set in. Tobacco users are in direct line of a triple whammy of stains, bad breath, and potential periodontal disease. Everyone’s different but some patterns of aging teeth are likely for most of us. Try this true-or-false quiz to learn more about preventing the inevitabilities of dental aging.
Questions
Q1. True or false – Once you are past mid-life, you are less likely to get tooth decay because tooth enamel becomes harder with age. At that point, Dr. Engelberg will probably tell you that dental checkups can become annual as opposed to biannual.
Q2. True or false – Chewing gum of any kind whitens your teeth naturally.
Q3. True or false – Foods like whole wheat bread and crackers are good for your teeth because the fiber is like a natural toothbrush.
Answers
A1. FALSE – You should definitely continue to go to the dentist for checkups at least once every six months, no matter what your age. As people get older, preventive dental care is extremely pivotal. Someone with diminished memory or motor skills might find it difficult keeping up with twice-daily brushing and flossing. In these cases, Dr. Engelberg might actually recommend more frequent appointments to keep teeth plaque free.
A2. FALSE –Yes, sugar free chewing gum with xylitol can increase saliva production and eliminate food debris and bacteria. However, chances of a gum providing any substantial whitening is pretty slim. For real whitening results, you should stick to professional bleaching options.
A3. FALSE – Bread, crackers, and any foods which are high in refined carbohydrates are likely to be just as bad for your teeth as sugary foods. Even whole wheat flour is metabolized into sucrose in your mouth. Sucrose is the favorite meal of the oral bacteria which create lactic acid in your mouth and cause tooth decay.
Visit your Libertyville Cosmetic Dentist
If you have an interest in cosmetic dentistry procedures, including teeth whitening, Dr. Engelberg would be happy to consult with you on how to attain the smile of your dreams. To schedule an appointment, call our 60048 dentist office at 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
