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

7. Tobacco Cessation & Alcohol Moderation: Beyond the Obvious Damage

The detrimental effects of tobacco and excessive alcohol go beyond obvious discoloration. Smoking severely constricts blood vessels in the gums, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients, masking gum disease, and accelerating bone loss. Alcohol dries out the mouth, reducing saliva's protective effects. As the body's repair mechanisms naturally slow with age, the damage from these substances becomes more pronounced and harder to reverse, drastically increasing risks for gum disease, root decay, and oral cancers. Prioritizing cessation is paramount.

8. Custom Night Guards for Bruxism: Protecting Against Unconscious Damage

Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding and clenching (often unconscious during sleep), is a silent destroyer of teeth, especially as we age. It causes excessive tooth wear, cracks, chips, and can even loosen teeth or damage jaw joints. A custom-fitted night guard from your dentist provides a precise, comfortable barrier, absorbing the forces of grinding. This proactive measure preserves enamel, protects existing restorations, and prevents future tooth loss by mitigating destructive nocturnal habits, safeguarding your bite for decades.