Six Ways to Fight Tooth Aging – Recommended by San Jose Dentists

Feb. 5, 2010 - PRLog -- Do you need to visit a dentist in San Jose? Have your teeth lost some of their luster over the years? Have your pearly whites become more of a dingy yellow? Teeth age just like the rest of the body which can present some challenges if you want to flash a brilliant smile. Some of the problems associated with tooth aging are gum disease and yellowing of the surface of the teeth. Fortunately, there are natural ways to counteract yellowing and help prevent age related gum disease. Here are some tips for counteracting tooth aging:

Check your medications.

If you take certain types of prescription medications, you may be more susceptible to gum disease. Certain medications have the tendency to reduce the flow of saliva which can increase your risk of gum disease and bad breath as well as promote tooth decay. Some medications associated with reduce saliva flow are antidepressants and antihistamines. If the medications you’re taking cause you to have a dry mouth, you may be at increased risk for gum disease.

Chew sugar free gum.

Chewing sugar free gum after meals can help stimulate saliva flow which helps to reduce tooth decay. Plus, many sugar free gums are sweetened with xylitol which has been shown to reduce the incidence of cavities and dental caries. If you can’t brush your teeth after a meal, pop a piece of sugar free gum with xylitol into your mouth to do the job for you.

Watch what you eat and drink.

Certain drinks are notorious for causing staining of the teeth. These include coffee, tea, cranberry juice, and red wine. To avoid discoloring your teeth, brush as soon as you can after drinking and use a straw to help reduce contact of the liquid with your teeth. Also beware of soy sauce, blueberries, balsamic vinegar, beets, and curry which can cause significant tooth discoloration.

Use natural tooth lightening remedies.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to white teeth and counteract tooth aging is to rub the cut surface of a strawberry across the surface of your teeth. Strawberries contain malic acid which can help to brighten tooth color and counteract discoloration. Another simple whitening formula is to brush with a paste made by mixing lemon essential oil with baking soda. Lemon has a natural bleaching action which can make teeth look brighter. Simply brushing with baking soda can cause lightening of the teeth especially if used regularly.

Stop smoking.

Smoking promotes tooth aging in a variety of ways. Not only does it cause discoloration of the surface of the teeth, it also reduces saliva flow which can promote gum disease. Plus, smoking has been shown to reduce levels of vitamin C which are critical for healthy gums. Don’t count on getting your nicotine fix with smokeless tobacco which is even more harmful to teeth and gums.

Of course, the absolute best way to counteract tooth aging is to see a dentist in San Jose like Dr. Sawyer every six months for a thorough cleaning and checkup. Dr. Gregory Sawyer is a fantastic cosmetic dentist in Los Gatos, CA and proudly serves the entire San Jose area as well.  Remember, you only have one set of teeth. Do your best to make them last a life time!

Freelance writer dedicated to providing the best information to people in California about helpful dentistry tips.

Vivit: www.losgatosdentalgroup.com

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Freelance writer dedicated to providing the best information to people in California about helpful dentistry tips.