Is your jaw healthy? If it isn’t, you may struggle with having loose teeth or even tooth loss. In worse cases, you may even find it hard to chew. Now that’s a scary thought!
Luckily, keeping your jaw healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Below are seven easy tips for a healthier jaw and teeth as you age.
There’s no reason for tooth problems in the future. Read on for the best ways to care for your mouth as you grow older.
1. Brush Your Teeth Regularly
As you get older, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Focusing on your oral hygiene contributes to a healthy jaw.
It would be best to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Using toothpaste with fluoride is excellent for your teeth. However, make sure you take your time brushing your teeth to benefit from the fluoride.
If you don’t brush with toothpaste with fluoride before going to bed, use a mouthwash with fluoride. Coating your teeth with fluoride daily offers your teeth protection.
2. Keep Your Mouth Clean
Besides brushing your teeth, part of caring for your teeth is cleaning your mouth. Keeping your mouth clean goes beyond just brushing them.
One way to keep a mouth clean is by using a gentle dental cleanser twice daily. You can also add to a clean mouth by rinsing your mouth after brushing. And don’t forget to floss!
Bring a toothbrush to work if you really want to go the extra mile. Or, you can pack some floss in your purse or bag. Then, when you go on your lunch break, take a few minutes to clean your teeth. This wards off conditions like gingivitis from taking place.
3. Dental Check-ups
Schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure that all is well and that your teeth are healthy. If you’re having issues with your jaw, a dentist can see what’s going on there.
You can’t fix everything with a toothbrush and toothpaste. So, it would help if you kept your mouth in tip-top shape. A qualified dentist can keep your teeth in excellent condition.
Even if you have no current issues, it’s good to keep track of the state of your teeth. Going to the dentist can monitor your teeth, catch something in your mouth, and treat it before it worsens.
4. Avoid Tobacco
If you can, avoid tobacco products like cigarettes and chewing Tobacco. Tobacco can wreak havoc on your teeth, jaw, and lungs.
While you might want to hide your addiction from others, it’s best to be honest with yourself. Instead, figure out the problem that keeps you coming back for more.
If it’s nicotine, try to find ways to quit the habit. Nicotine may cause oral issues and many other health problems. So, confront this bad habit head-on and figure out a way to combat it before it worsens.
5. Chew on Gum
Believe it or not, chewing on gum helps strengthen your jaw muscles. So, to keep your jaw limber, try chewing on gum once in a while.
If you chew gum, it’s best to chew on gum from a sugar-free brand. You may think that gum with artificial sweeteners is fine, but it’s best to avoid this type of gum.
Many artificial sweeteners can cause issues with your tooth enamel. Thus, it may affect the overall health of your mouth.
You can always ask your dentist for advice on which gum to chew. They can direct you toward healthier chewing choices that won’t cause issues with your teeth.
6. Use a Mouth Night Guard
You may have issues with your jaw from a Temporomandibular Joint disorder (TMJ). If that’s the case, wearing a mouth guard can help.
If you wear a mouth guard when experiencing pain in your jaw, it can reduce the pain. Furthermore, it can protect your teeth from injury in the future.
Having a mouth guard for jaw pain is also great for dental health. It prevents you from grinding your teeth and causing damage to your jaw.
To get the low-down on mouth guards, JS Dental Lab explains what you need to know.
7. Try Dental Trays
Dental trays are ideal for patients who have had teeth removed. A dental tray also works well for those with a jaw that is too weak to use with braces.
People with an open bite or crowded teeth also benefit from dental trays. While they may not be comfortable, they allow a great deal of space for eating and speaking.
You may not be sure which dental trays can help your mouth condition. If that’s the case, your dentist will help guide you toward the right products for your age and lifestyle.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
In closing, it can be challenging to maintain good oral hygiene at any age. And yet, you must keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
Start by using the tips listed above. You should also find time to visit the dentist every six months. Making your jaw and mouth a priority will keep your jaw healthy for years to come.
