Keep Your Teeth for Life: Dentist-Approved Tips to Combat Age-Related Tooth Loss

5. Strategic Snacking: Neutralize Acid Attacks

Every time you consume sugary or acidic foods, your tooth enamel is under attack. As enamel naturally thins with age, this vulnerability increases. Beyond limiting these foods, practice strategic snacking. If you indulge, follow immediately with a swish of water or, ideally, chew sugar-free gum containing xylitol, which stimulates saliva and neutralizes acids. Pair acidic fruits with a neutral food like cheese. This mindful approach minimizes enamel erosion and cavity formation, preserving tooth structure.

6. pH Balancing Rinses: Supporting Saliva's Power

Saliva is your mouth's first line of defense, neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. As we age, medication or certain health conditions can reduce saliva flow, leading to dry mouth (xerostomia), a major risk for decay and gum disease. Beyond consistent hydration, consider using pH-balancing or fluoride-containing mouth rinses recommended by your dentist. These support saliva's natural protective functions, helping to remineralize enamel and maintain an oral environment less hospitable to harmful bacteria and acid attacks.