Caring for Ageing Teeth

Caring for Ageing Teeth 

Getting older doesn’t have to mean losing your teeth and having dentures, but you do need extra care and attention to keep them healthy. With the wisdom of age comes an entirely new set of challenges for your teeth, but with these tips, you’ll be better prepared to care for your ageing teeth. 

More Years, More Wear

Teeth are designed to last a lifetime with regular maintenance, but years of chewing and crunching can wear down the biting surfaces as well as your enamel. Thinner enamel sometimes allows the yellowing dentin inside the tooth to show through, which can make your teeth look dull. Cracks can begin to appear, and if your diet isn’t as good as it could be, you will be more susceptible to tooth decay. 

Health Risks for Ageing Teeth

As you get older, your gums recede which exposes the roots of your teeth and makes them more prone to decay because they don’t have a protective covering of enamel. Tooth loss can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, which can make your jaw uneven and teeth misaligned. 

Older people have a higher risk of gum disease simply because they’ve been around longer, or because reduced dexterity means they can’t brush and floss as effectively as before. Many medications can cause a dry mouth which in turn causes bad breath, difficulty swallowing, and increases your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. 

Overall Health

Your overall health affects your dental health and vice versa. Scientists have discovered a link between gum disease and diabetes, strokes, heart disease and breathing difficulties. Bacteria from gum infections can enter the blood stream and cause infections and other health problems within the body. Uncontrolled diabetes and high blood sugar can cause increased sugar in the saliva and eventually lead to tooth decay. 

Proper Dental Hygiene

If you’ve practiced good dental hygiene all your life, your teeth should be in good condition, but now is not the time to let your routine lapse. It’s more important than ever to brush and floss at least twice a day, and to limit your intake of sugary food and drinks. 

Visit Your Dentist

One of the best things you can do for your teeth at any age is to visit your dentist for regular check-ups. It’s one of the main considerations for having strong, healthy teeth well into old age. Establishing a good relationship with your dentist will ensure your teeth are well cared for and any problems are found and treated early to prevent further damage. 

Dental Care – West Auckland

At Titirangi Dentalwe provide caring, professional dental services for the whole family using the latest in dental equipment and technology. We’re dedicated to helping you maintain and improve your smile with a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry. 

Call us on 09 817 6057,  or contact us online for enquiries and expert advice about looking after ageing teeth to keep them strong and healthy. 

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Why do we recommend fluoride toothpaste? 

When you ask your dental professionals the right toothpastes to use routinely?  We always recommend fluoride toothpastes. Because: 

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. Restorative Dentistry

  • Fluoride toothpaste works into tooth enamel, it can make enamel harder and more resistant to acid, attacks from bacteria and sugary foods. 
  • Fluoride toothpaste can remineralize your teeth, it helps to reverse early tooth decay by replacing lost minerals and repairing damage. 
  • Fluoride toothpaste has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of getting cavities.  
  • Using fluoride toothpaste is the most cost-effective way to contribute to better oral health 

Standard adult and children’s fluoride toothpastes contain 1,000-1,500ppm of fluoride.  However, dental professionals may prescribe high concentration fluoride toothpaste for individuals with high risk of tooth decay, it usually contains 5,000ppm fluoride. 

Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.

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Is it normal to feel sensitive after teeth whitening?

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Is it normal to feel sensitive after teeth whitening?

Yes, most people will feel sensitive after teeth whitening. It is normal because whitening agent make your tooth enamel more porous and permeable. It causes your teeth are easily penetrate to hot, cold, sweet, or sour substances to the nerves.

The sensitivity is usually lasting 24-48 hours, but for people, it can persist for few days.

How to manage sensitivity

  • Use sensitive toothpaste: Apply sensitive toothpastes on the surfaces after you brush your teeth and do not rinse out, leave it overnight.
  • Avoid extremely cold or hot foods and drinks, avoid sweet or acidic foods or drinks for few days after treatment.
  • Be gentle when brushing.
  • Take pain killer like ibuprofen to relieve pain and discomfort.
  • If you experience severe pain and do not improve within 48 hours, contact your dental professional for help.
Speak to Titirangi Dental to Find Your Perfect Treatment

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland. Call us on 09 817 6057 or contact us online.

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Dental Implants

Understanding Dental Implants and Their Importance

Dental health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked until a problem arises. Among the most common issues are tooth loss, which can occur due to decay, injury, or disease. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several solutions to restore your smile, and one of the most effective and lasting options is dental implants.

 What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. Once in place, they provide a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth, bridge, or even full dentures. The process involves three main stages: the placement of the implant, the healing period during which the implant fuses with the bone (a process known as osseointegration), and finally, the attachment of the prosthetic tooth or teeth.

 The Importance of Dental Implants

1. Restoring Functionality: One of the primary reasons people opt for dental implants is the restoration of normal chewing and speaking abilities. Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip or cause discomfort, implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worry.

2. Preserving Jawbone Health: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in the empty space can deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Implants help maintain the bone by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots, which stimulates the bone and prevents loss of volume and density. This is crucial in maintaining the facial structure and avoiding a sunken appearance over time.

3. Aesthetics and Confidence: Missing teeth can significantly affect your self-esteem and how others perceive you. Dental implants provide a natural-looking and permanent solution, allowing you to smile with confidence. The prosthetic teeth are designed to match the color and shape of your existing teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

4. Longevity and Durability: Dental implants are designed to last many years, often a lifetime with proper care. Unlike bridges or dentures, which may need to be replaced or adjusted over time, implants offer a more permanent solution, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

5. Improved Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth, implants do not affect surrounding teeth. This helps maintain the integrity of your natural teeth and promotes better long-term oral health. Additionally, implants are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of gum disease and other oral health issues.

6. Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the inconveniences associated with removable dentures. There’s no need for messy adhesives, and you won’t have to worry about your teeth slipping out of place. This makes them a hassle-free option for daily life.

 Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?

Dental implants are suitable for most adults in good health who have lost one or more teeth. However, certain conditions, such as insufficient jawbone density or chronic illnesses, may affect candidacy. A thorough evaluation by a dental professional is necessary to determine if implants are the right option for you.

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Want to know about dental services and how to keep your mouth and teeth in great condition?

Make an appointment with the team at Titirangi Dental to solve any oral health issuing you’re currently suffering from. We offer the highest quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry techniques in West Auckland.