When desiring to age naturally, our smile is one of our most potent assets! Just look at an older woman (I think of Julia Roberts) with a beautiful smile- it instantly reflects vitality, health, and happiness – qualities that are ageless. By prioritizing dental health and taking proactive steps to care for our teeth and gums, we can preserve and even enhance our youthful appearance- a radiant, confident smile is timeless, transcending the boundaries of age.
Brighter Smile, Younger You
Teeth naturally discolor as we age, thanks to years of consuming staining foods and beverages (which is tough for me as a tea and coffee lover!) However, we can easily whiten our teeth to remove or reduce these stains. Right now, I am obsessed with oil pulling. I have heard about it for years, but I’ll admit, my college-age kids are the ones who convinced me to try it, and now I can’t stop. Not only does it whiten your teeth, but it freshens your breath, reduces bacteria, promotes healthy gums, and more. This Gurunanda stuff is the real deal, I guess that’s why it’s been around forever and used in other cultures, but it is now my go-to for teeth health AND whitening.
I also love to use teeth whitening strips in the days leading up to an event- they work, and I will be the first to say that when my teeth are extra white, I just feel better. There are lots of whitening strips to purchase, but I like these basic ones. Don’t fall for the LED lights for your teeth or any other gimmicky add-ons for whitening strips, you don’t need them and they don’t do anything. Also, we can’t forget the other two things that we need to be doing every day- tongue scraping and flossing and using a good toothbrush and toothpaste. All these little things add up and are low cost and easy to habit stack as part of your AM and PM routines!
Preserve Your Teeth and Gums
Tooth loss and gum recession, common problems as we age, can lead to changes in our facial structure. I have worn a mouth guard for grinding at night since my early twenties. Without this, my teeth likely would be much more worn down. If you snore at night have headaches or have ever been diagnosed with TMJ, you might need a mouthguard. Your dentist will fit you for one and you will find it makes a huge difference in more than just your teeth, but your overall health.
Cosmetic Dentistry
For those of us looking for more significant changes, you may want to consider cosmetic dentistry. Somehow, this seems not only less invasive than other procedures but could make a huge difference. And for many of us, it isn’t a luxury to take care of our smile as much as a necessity! Cavities, root canals, worn enamel, etc all require that we strongly consider what advancements in dental technology we might need. These treatments are more efficient, less invasive, and more accessible than ever before, making it easier to maintain that youthful smile without sacrificing your natural teeth. If you are keeping up with your cleanings every six months, this is a conversation that you can easily have with your dentist, and you might find it’s a low-cost high-impact area where you can feel and look great as a result!
