In the age of the selfie, we are highly attuned to the slightest markers of aging, be it a receding hairline, crow’s feet or a furrowed brow. Most people are worried about their complexion, new wrinkles or the thickness of their hair when they should be paying more attention to their teeth. Why is that? Your teeth are one of the first body parts that really show signs of aging.
Your teeth and smile are like a business card, which conveys a wealth of information about your oral hygiene practices, your diet, your health and your age. If you ignore them, let them get stained, chipped or ridden with cavities, others will notice. A mouthful or yellow or damaged teeth can easily make you look 10 years older, and missing teeth can age you even worse.
The good news is that with proper preventative care, your teeth can look as young as you’d like. Daily brushing and flossing along with routine dental checkups can keep worn chompers from showing your age, or worse – making you look older than you really are.
Discolored teeth can age your face
Good oral hygiene just isn’t enough to fend off tooth enamel discoloration. Whether you’re a coffee addict or love red wine, staining drinks and acidic food can do a real disservice to your teeth. The best way to keep your teeth pearly white is to schedule professional dental cleanings every 6 months. If you skip these too often, built-up plaque can really age your face, while also contributing to gingivitis and gum disease. Professional cleanings include a deep polishing for removing staining pigments that can give teeth a dingy gray or yellow hue.
If you already have yellow teeth caused by diet or smoking, peroxide-based whiteners can help lighten the enamel by several shades. There are over-the-counter treatments, but most patients see quicker and better results with professional teeth whitening systems that use chemically-activated whitening agents.
Worn or damaged front teeth
As we get older, our teeth begin to show signs of wear and tear caused by chewing and – sometimes – tooth grinding. Beyond “stubby” looking teeth, we can also develop micro-cracks in the outer enamel, or chip off the outer edge on a piece of hard food. All of these blemishes can seriously diminish the attractiveness and youthfulness of your smile. A bite guard is usually effective for stopping tooth grinding and further erosion, but other issues are best corrected with cosmetic dentistry.
Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for restoring the shape, structure and aesthetics to a damaged or misshapen tooth, while tooth bonding can do the same with just one office visit.
If you have fillings in your front teeth, keep in mind that they need to be replaced every few years. Silver amalgam and even tooth-colored fillings should be checked for signs of tiny fissures and dark lines that indicate it’s time for a new restoration.
Improve the youthfulness of your smile
Bad teeth are not only an age giveaway but can make you look older, even if your skin is smooth and wrinkle-free. Remember that your smile is one of the first things others notice, so why not make a great first impression?
To book a free consultation with experienced Suffolk County cosmetic dentists, we invite you to call Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry today!
Resources:
- WebMD, How Teeth Change With Age http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-gums-age
- Medical Daily, From Bone Health To Mental Health: What You Can Tell About A Person From Looking At Their Teeth http://www.medicaldaily.com/bone-health-mental-health-what-you-can-tell-about-person-looking-their-teeth-301934
