By Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD
The Toothboss, www.toothboss.com
Many dental issues for patients of all ages are avoidable, particularly those that stem from bad habits. And when you’ve had those habits for many years, the issues can mount. So, for the love of all that is holy, please stop doing the following:
Chewing ice and hard objects
While it may seem harmless, chewing ice can cause small chips in your tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. Over time, these small chips can develop into larger cracks, requiring more extensive treatments like root canals, crowns, or even surgical tooth removal. You can also do similar damage by chewing on pens, pencils, or even opening bottle caps with your teeth. Essentially, you’re inflicting repeated trauma to your teeth, leading to fractures or chips that could have been easily avoided.
Sipping energy drinks
Seniors are more active than ever. So, it makes sense that many enjoy energy drinks. These drinks are highly acidic and can erode your enamel more aggressively than cola. If you’re sipping on these drinks throughout the day, you’re exposing your teeth to prolonged acid attacks. This can lead to severe enamel erosion and cavities. That doesn’t mean you can never have an energy drink. If you do, try to finish quickly and rinse your mouth with water afterward. It’s also important to wait an hour before brushing your teeth to allow your saliva to neutralize the acid and reharden your enamel.
Vaping
While vaping may not be as popular with folks our age, there are seniors who believe vaping is a safer alternative to smoking. For your teeth, it’s just as bad, as vaping involves inhaling nicotine and other harmful chemicals. Nicotine increases the amount of bacteria and plaque in your mouth, leading to a less healthy oral environment. Studies have shown that people who vape have less healthy oral microbiomes than non-smokers. The long-term effects of vaping on oral health are still being studied, but the early evidence suggests that it can be just as harmful as smoking.
Using fluoride-free toothpaste
The recent trend toward using natural or fluoride-free toothpaste has bothered me. While these products might seem appealing, they do not provide the same level of protection against cavities as fluoride-containing toothpaste. You have to remember that fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel and inhibits the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Without it, your risk of dental decay increases significantly. As a senior, if you choose to use fluoride-free toothpaste, you need to be extremely disciplined with your diet and oral hygiene routine.
As someone who has been practicing dentistry for many years, I’ve seen first-hand the consequences of these damaging habits. It’s crucial to take care of your teeth by avoiding these practices and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. Regular dental visits, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing are essential to keeping your teeth healthy.
Finally, a note to my fellow seniors: Make sure to brush your teeth before your dental visits. It’s a small courtesy that makes a big difference. Sometimes, as dentists, we can see what you had for lunch, and while it’s not a big deal, it’s always nice to see clean teeth. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Take care of your teeth, and they will take care of you.
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist or you’re in between, please give us a call at The Toothboss, 781-335-0604.
About the Author: Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD is the owner of The Toothboss, 1121 Main St., South Weymouth. For more information, call 781-335-0604 or visit www.toothboss.com.
