Maintaining your teeth is very important. Not just for having a good smile but also for our health. People neglect their teeth and some people don't even brush for a minute. We must brush our teeth twice a day and spend 2 minutes for each brushing session according to the American Dental Association (ADA). It is also recommended to get a dental cleaning every three to six months. Get a soft toothbrush. As you age you are more likely to have dry mouth. This could be due changes in your mouth or due to medications that cause dry mouth. Having a dry mouth can impact your dental health because saliva protects teeth from decay and helps clean your teeth. Hence, don't let your mouth dry out. Flossing your teeth everyday is also recommended. Make sure you get enough fluoride. It is important that you get enough fluoride as you age, as it can help protect your teeth from the wear and tear that comes with use. For older people, it is especially important in protecting the delicate teeth surface below the gum line, as the gums usually recede as one ages. You must be gentle on your teeth. You should avoid biting or chewing hard food, such as ice. Chewing on hard foods can chip or break your teeth, creating damage that needs to be fixed by a dentist. If you have chipped your teeth, go to the dentist right away. Avoid beverages that can damage your teeth. Fizzy or acidic drinks, such as soda pop or juice, can erode the enamel off of your teeth. If you really want to drink things that will damage your teeth, drink them through a straw. This will keep the beverage off of your front teeth, minimizing the damage. Teeth require plenty of calcium. It is necessary that you consume healthy foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, orange juice and other vitamin and calcium rich foods. As you age, it becomes even more important to take good care of your teeth and dental health. One common misconception is that losing your teeth is inevitable. This is not true. If cared for properly, your teeth can last a lifetime.
