Stuart’s Blog

You don’t have to assume that chronological ageing will dramatically alter your smile. After all, as your dental team, we’re committed to helping you maintain your oral health and most attractive appearance. But you can help by becoming aware of and managing factors in your own environment.

• Toothbrush abrasion from brushing incorrectly or with too much pressure is common and can lead to receding gums, exposed roots, and exposed yellow dentin due to thinning enamel, plus sensitive teeth, cavities, and tooth loss.
• Substituting unsafe objects like earrings, forks, and needles for dental floss can damage your gums. Frankly, toothpicks are also potentially hazardous.
• Sugary acidic drinks and sports beverages can erode enamel and create an incubating environment for the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
• Teeth grinding and clenching can crack and wear teeth and restorations and damage gums and cheeks.
• Smoking is the single major preventable risk factor for gum disease. It also depletes Vitamin C which is preventive. Even exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with a 50-60% increased risk for developing disease.
• Untreated periodontal diseases which are infections of the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar (jaw) bone can destroy the appearance and health of the gums and bone and lead to tooth loss.

We can’t stop the ageing process, and maintaining your beautiful and youthful smile is really a lifetime commitment. But with good care, you can keep a healthy, younger-looking smile … for decades.