Do you often look at the photos from your youth and get mesmerized by your smile? Don’t let that smile live only on old photos. With these tips, you can get your youthful smile back and have a beautiful and healthy smile no matter your age.
Get new fillings
What’s inside your teeth can affect your smile. There’s no better sign of your age than showing metal crowns and silver fillings when you open your mouth (these are not used anymore). Luckily, to hide your age and improve the health of your teeth, all you have to do is swap old fillings and crowns for new ones. New crowns and fillings are tooth-colored, better and more sustainable, so consider the swap.
Consider veneers
In case there are many things on your smile you want to fix, veneers are your best option. These thin porcelain pieces bonded to your original teeth look perfect in shape, size, positioning and color. However, this investment is not cheap, but if you find the right expert, you’ll be set for the next 20 years.
Straighten your teeth
With age, teeth collapse inwards and change the shape of your face. If you want to correct that, you can put in braces to realign your teeth and improve dental issues. Having perfect and straight teeth will allow you to show of the full spectrum of your smile which is a great way to dazzle anyone. Many adults are not comfortable with metal braces, but if you choose the right dental laboratory, you can get fitted for Invisalign—a see-through alternative. Your expert dentist will scan your teeth, fit you with invisible braces and your smile will look better than 30 years ago.
Check your gums
Receding gums can also tell your age, because with time, your bones become less dense which can result in your gums pulling back. If you notice you have receding gums, make sure to brush lightly and consult with your dentist for other solutions.
Avoid staining foods and drinks
Probably the most obvious sign of an aging smile is discoloration. As you age, your tooth enamel gets thinner, exposing more gray and yellow dentin beneath. This dentin is not only yellowish in color, but also more susceptible to staining, so make sure to avoid drinks and foods that stain. Here’s an easy-to-remember rule: If it stains your clothes, it will stain your teeth, so no coffee, red wine, dark berries and sodas.
Go for a whitening treatment
Sometimes, no matter how well you brush and floss, your teeth will turn yellow over time. Different things from micro-fractures and thinning enamel to stains can cause a dull and old look of your teeth. Luckily, a simple whitening process can take care of that. There are various solutions to teeth whitening such as lover the counter strips, whitening pastes and in-office treatments, and your dentist can explain which one is the best for you.
Battle dry mouth
Due to hormonal changes or medication, you might experience mouth dryness as you age. It doesn’t matter what causes this discomfort, it can cause a lot of bacteria to accumulate in your mouth, decreasing the risk of tooth decay and gum issues. To trigger saliva, you can chew sugar-free gum and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Schedule regular exams
Regular appointments are always important, but especially as you age. And remember that your dental exams need to change with time to fit your needs. Go to your appointment at least twice a year to maintain your youthful smile and prevent any issues from settling in,
Choose the right lipstick
If you wear makeup, remember that a touch of the right lipstick can help brighten up your smile. The right color can give you that bright, youthful and white smile, neutralizing those yellow tones. Usually, shades that contain cool blue undertones are great for teeth while those frosted ones or dark ones make your smile look dull and old. Hit up a makeup counter in your local makeup store and ask for help picking out a cool blue undertone lipstick.
You don’t have to give up smiling just because your teeth are not as white as they used to be. With a little bit of effort, your pearly whites can shine bright like a diamond and look strong and healthy.
