healthy smile will help us May you live long, healthy and happy lives.But just like our bodyour teeth succumb to age-related changes.
So what happens to your teeth as you get older? And how can you make sure your smile lasts forever?
First, what are teeth made of?
The crown of the tooth is covered by a hard enamel capsule surrounding softer brown dentin that protects the pulp located in the center.
Enamel is a complex weave; brittlestrands of honeycomb clusters that interact with light to make teeth appear opalescent (a pearly milky iridescence).
dentin under enamel It forms the majority of the tooth’s crown and root and is made of collagen, minerals, water, and protein. Collagen chains are woven Stretch and return to normal, prevent teeth Prevents it from cracking or breaking when grinding or chewing.
Read more: Curious kids: What’s inside your teeth?
The pulp has blood vessels and nerves that connect it to other parts of the body.
Minerals and collagen entwined with dentin are small, interconnected tubules are formed by specialized cells called odontoblast Once the tooth is fully formed, it is deposited around the pulp.
Each tooth has The number of odontoblasts is finiteunlike special bone cells that are constantly replenished and renewed.
How do teeth change with age?
Our teeth cannot be regenerated become brittlethe loss of dentin spring makes it more likely to fracture.
this is more common Teeth with existing crack lines, large fillings, or root canal treatments.
Over time, the surface of the enamel Become thin Reveals relatively opaque dentin that darkens with age.
Structural Biology Journal/Created by BioRender.com, Provided by the author (not reusable)
The reason dentin turns black is because it is woven with collagen. hardens and shrinksand fluid in the renal tubules filled with minerals.
Odontoblasts continue to form dentin inside the tooth, reducing the translucent pulp space.Teeth become visible as dentin increases opaque It also blocks the sensation of heat and cold.This is the reason x-ray It helps detect cavities that we are not aware of.
Food and drink particles fill in the microgaps and fine cracks that run up and down the enamel, caused by aging. discoloration and stains. These stains can be easily managed by: teeth whitening.
How else can you extend the life of your teeth and brighten your smile? Here are his seven tips for preventing tooth decay.
1. Avoid unnecessary force
avoid using Teeth are used to hold objects such as work tools and to open packages.
Please take measures to avoid such force. grinding or clenching By wearing a night guard.
if you have big stuffing or Root canal treated Consult your dentist about your teeth Certain fillings or crowns It can protect your teeth from cracking and damage.
2. Share the load
If you have lost a molar or premolar, distribute your chewing forces evenly to avoid putting undue stress on your remaining teeth.
to replace lost teeth bridge, implant or well-fitted dentures Supports occlusion.get dentures Check regularly Make sure it fits and supports properly and replace it at least every 10 years.
3. Preserve your enamel
reduce Further loss of enamel and dentin By choosing soft hair tips Toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Certain whitening toothpastes may contain abrasives. rough and worn tooth surface. If you’re unsure, use a toothpaste labeled “sensitive.”
Read more: How to brush your teeth correctly from a dentist
reduce exposure to acid If possible, mix it with food (like lemon or apple cider vinegar) or illness (reflux or vomiting) to maintain enamel and prevent erosion.
4. Increase saliva
saliva It has antibacterial properties that protect against acid attack, cleanse teeth, and reduce erosion and cavities (hole formation).
Saliva is also important for how we chew, swallow, and speak.
However, the quality and quantity of saliva decreases due to age-related changes in the salivary glands and certain prescribed medications. manage chronic disease such as depression and high blood pressure.
Talk to your doctor about other drug options to improve saliva and manage reflux disease to prevent sores.
![man looking at medicine bottle](https://images.theconversation.com/files/563889/original/file-20231206-15-e9rzdk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip)
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5. Treat periodontal disease
Aesthetically, Treatment of periodontal disease (periodontitis) It reduces the shrinkage (recession) of the gums and usually exposes the darker tooth roots. Easy to make holes.
6. Aging management and prevention
cellular aging This is a process that changes the DNA within a cell, reducing its ability to withstand physical, chemical, or biological damage.
Cellular senescence promotes the formation of new cancers, the spread of existing cancers, and the development of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
Cell damage can be prevented by managing lifestyle factors such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and chronic infections such as periodontal disease.
7. Adapt and ask for help
aging It can affect our cognition, manual dexterity, and vision, and we may not be able to brush our teeth and gums as effectively as we used to.
If this applies to you, talk to your dental care team. Helps clean teeth. Recommend products and tools according to your situation and abilities.
Read more: Delay in renovation can lead to tooth decay.It’s time for a national agreement to fund dental care