Rewinding the Years: Dental Care Tips for Older Adults

Your teeth are very important. Not only do they play a crucial role in your body breaking down food for proper digestion, but they also help your face maintain its proper structure, give you an aesthetically pleasing smile and play an important role in your health. If you have untreated dental issues, it can lead to health problems ranging from infections to cardiovascular problems. Learn about 7 things you want to avoid so you will have an easier time keeping your teeth in good shape.

1. Don't drink after using mouthwash. When you use mouthwash, it will continue to kill harmful bacteria for a while after you rinse with it. For this reason, you want to make sure you don't drink anything for 15 or 20 minutes after using it, including water.
2. Don't open packages with your teeth. You should never use your teeth to open any type of packages. Doing this will put more stress on them than they should endure.
3. Don't use your teeth to untie knots. If you use your teeth to untie a knot, it puts you at risk of breaking a tooth. The amount of stress you put on your teeth and the pulling motion of working out the knot may leave you with a half a tooth.
4. Don't chew ice. It may seem like ice would be okay to chew since it's only a frozen form of water. However, chewing on ice can lead to tooth fractures, breaks and chips.
5. Don't play contact sports unprotected. If you play contact sports, make sure you don't participate in practices or games without wearing a mouth guard. While you can get one from a sporting goods store, getting one directly from your dentist will ensure it fits right.
6. Don't ignore bruxism (teeth grinding). If you find out that you grind your teeth in your sleep, it's important for you to inform your dentist. They can fit you with a mouth guard to help control it. Otherwise, you will put a lot of stress on your teeth, wear them down, possibly chip them and develop headaches.
7. Don't forget to brush after you eat sticky foods. While it may not be necessary to brush your teeth after every meal, you should if you eat something sticky. Sticky foods will cling to your teeth longer, promoting the development of more plaque.

By making a point of not doing the bad habits listed above, you will be able to keep your teeth healthier longer and prevent many dental problems. Visit a dentist like Nittany Dental Associates for more tips.