How to Keep a Youthful Smile

By Dr. Yair Lenga−

How old is your mouth? This is a question that rarely crosses our minds, but one of vital importance. We look for wrinkles in our skin, gray hairs on our head, monitor our energy levels, and look for ways to reinforce our core dietary needs. We are constantly looking for ways to become healthier, and outlive prior generations. But with the large array of choices in the market, our view has shifted away from oral health; it is often relegated to a state of urgency. We tend to habitually visit our dental practitioners only when we are in pain, afflicted with cavities, in need of root canals, or wisdom teeth removal. But as we age, our mouths age with us. So how old is your mouth?

Dr. Lenga, a leading expert in periodontology offers some vital tips to keep your smile fresh.

• Treat your teeth twice – Gum disease is a widespread issue stemming from teenagers to seniors. In many cases, brushing is done ineffectively, or irregularly. Brush for at least two minutes, making sure to address all areas of your teeth evenly, including your tongue. Avoid brushing directly after a meal, and especially coffee or tea. Acid in the food stays on your teeth for up to 30 minutes, and can deteriorate healthy enamel.
• Stay in style – Bristles in your toothbrush start wearing down over time, and become a harbour for collecting bacteria. It is beneficial to change your brush every three months to help keep your mouth clean and fresh.
• Choose the right toothpaste – Chronic gingivitis can lead to sensitive gums. You may feel discouraged to brush if your gums are inflamed, but this can lead to further complications. Begin by consulting your dental team to make sure you receive treatment to alleviate inflammation, and opt for toothpastes that are designed to be gentler on sensitive gums.
• Floss is your friend – Along with regular brushing, it’s important to keep up a healthy floss routine. Flossing helps reach food debris in between your teeth, which can otherwise build up and cause calcification. There are a variety of options in the market include standard, or toothpick-based flosses to help reach all areas around your mouth. You can also opt for an oral irrigator to help ease the process, but it’s best to adhere to string floss.
• Gargle, swish & spit – In combination with brushing and flossing, an anti-bacterial rinse helps keep unwanted oral bacteria at bay, and keep your breath fresh. It’s also a quick way to refresh your oral health throughout the day.
• Take charge! – We are all tempted by sugary snacks. Chocolate, croissants and pastries are delicious treats that satisfy these cravings, but should be consumed minimally, and in moderation. Large amounts of sugar are hidden in many foods, especially fruit juices. It’s helpful to keep an eye on food labels to control your intake. Overindulging in sugary treats can lead to tooth decay, and poor overall oral health.
• Don’t play with fire – Smoking has one of the most detrimental effects on our health. Ranging from lung and oral cancer, this habit can lead to serious health problems in many facets of your life. It’s especially important to consider gradually cutting down, and ultimately ditching the sticks to experience significant benefits in your oral health. Beyond its cancerous effects, smoking can also lead to unattractive yellowing of the teeth, which hampers your efforts in keeping a healthy, and youthful smile!
• Indulge in a delicious, balanced diet – A healthy diet is key to not only maintain your oral health, but your overall livelihood and energy levels. Avoid consuming high amounts of refined carbohydrates, and opt instead to consume a large amount of vegetables and healthy fats. Controlled portions of fish provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids to fight inflammation, and vegetables provide plenty of nutrients to keep your mouth and body healthy. Consider taking a multi-vitamin to help fill in potential gaps in your daily intake.
• Don’t bite down too hard! – As we age, our mouths age with us. Take note of how your teeth are changing overtime, and cut back on foods that may cause pain and/or inflammation from overexerting your gums. Use tools to crack open nuts, or break down food to mitigate the amount of pressure you put on your teeth.
• Appointments, appointments, appointments! – The most important thing you can do is make regular visits to your dental team. Their expertise will help analyze, and capture potential oral health woes before they have a chance to spread. Speak to your oral health care practitioner about cleanings, sealants, and anything else that may be on your mind. They are there to make sure that your oral health remains at its peak!

Dr. Lenga is an alumni of the University of Toronto who majored in General Dental with speciality training in Periodontics. He is a seasoned expert in periodontics who takes a special approach to his practice at St. Clair Perio. With an MSc in Tissue-Healing Physiology and expertise in facial anatomy rehabilitation and bone regeneration, he does not only simply mend but also aims to reconstruct that perfect smile.