It’s said that many adults in their 30s recognize a decline in their oral health. For those consistent with their basic dental hygiene and who keep up with their dentist appointments religiously, the signs of aging may be minimal.
However, it’s common for a large number of adults to notice discoloration, weakened teeth, cavities, and even bad breath despite following their usual oral care routine past their quarter lives. But why? It’s because the teeth are prone to wear and tear and they’re frequently exposed to substances that weaken the enamel as well.
Reaching a certain age may require you to change certain aspects of your lifestyle and habits so you can better care for your overall health and well-being including caring for your oral health as well.
To do this, you can consider the following tips:
- Prioritize Dental Hygiene
As you reach your 30s, the enamel in your teeth starts to thin which makes them prone to breakage. The teeth can also begin to show signs of discoloration due to internal staining. As such, your teeth’ overall appearance and strength may start to decline. The gums also slowly deteriorate as people age. This is why many people in their 30s commonly experience gum bleeding, pain and inflammation.
Because of these reasons, taking care of your teeth should be prioritized. Here are some steps you could take to maintain your dental hygiene:
- Brush and floss after every meal;
- Keep the tongue and other parts of the mouth clean;
- Don’t forget to brush your teeth before going to bed;
- Use an antibacterial and teeth strengthening mouthwash; and
- Drink more water.
Experts say that a large number of grownups struggle with flossing regularly. Nonetheless, flossing is essential to avoid gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay. To overcome this problem, you’ll need to set aside time to floss at least once during the day. You can do this while you’re alone watching TV, sitting in front of the computer, or using your phone. Also, you can consider using dental floss picks to make flossing more manageable and convenient.
- Avoid Staining Substances
Tooth discoloration can be caused by meals and beverages that leave stains on the enamel. To protect your teeth and keep a bright smile, here are some of the food items you need to consume in moderation:
- Tea and coffee;
- Fruit juices;
- Red wine;
- Soda and energy drinks;
- Soy sauce;
- Balsamic vinegar;
- Candies; and
- Tomato-based sauces.
Some of these items can have high acid content that erodes enamel and allows stains to set in quickly. As such, it’s best to limit your consumption of these items and brush your teeth after consuming them.
- Visit The Dentist Regularly
Before you reach your 30s, annual dental consultations may have been enough to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. However, you may need to schedule visits twice a year or more as needed.
With each visit, you can ask if you can have intensive teeth cleaning procedures to combat discoloration or halitosis. You can ask your dentist for dental hygiene products or supplement recommendations that could boost your oral health too.
- Adjust Your Diet
The food an individual consumes is regarded as a great factor in their oral health. As an adult in your 30s, you can incorporate some food items that could boost your oral health wellbeing. Here are a few examples:
- Fiber-rich vegetables and fruits;
- Whole grains;
- Dairy and other calcium-rich food items; and
- Lean protein.
On the other hand, treats that are high in sugar and starch and those with a high acid content, such as carbonated drinks, should be avoided or limited. This way, you’ll be able to care for your teeth and gums while taking care of your nutritional needs.
- Address Dental Issues Right Away
It’s best to consult with your dentist immediately if you experience pain or discomfort in your teeth. Both the teeth and gums become more sensitive as people age, it’s believed, and you may experience discomfort more frequently because of it. Additionally, pain may be a sign of damage that needs to be addressed promptly.
One of the most common issues adults encounter in managing their oral health is teeth grinding or bruxism. Though this ailment isn’t limited to adults, it’s said that its symptoms may heighten due to stress and anxiety. To counter bruxism, it’s best to visit the dental clinic right away to see if you’ll need a mouthguard. Aside from this, you can also take some steps on your own to avoid teeth grinding. Here are some of them:
- Manage stress effectively;
- Increase physical activity;
- Avoid chewing gum and chewy foods such as meat, chips, nuts, and the like; and
- Massage muscles in your jaw, face, neck, and shoulders.
Bruxism may increase your tooth sensitivity and cause tooth loss in extreme cases. To avoid this, it’s crucial to consult with your dentist and take preventative measures right away.
Conclusion
As the body ages, it’s common for people to experience a decline in overall health and wellness. Among the first signs that you’ll notice will be the health of your teeth and gums. Nonetheless, it’s still possible to keep your smile beautiful and healthy as you age, provided that you’ll take steps to give them the best care and protection possible.
As the saying goes, health is a person’s irreplaceable wealth. With this in mind, taking care of your well-being as you age may be one of the most important investments you can make.