As we age, so do our teeth. When your teeth are crooked, discolored, or missing, it can make you look older.

Your Century City cosmetic dentist suggests maintaining healthy teeth and gums through regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. However, he also wants you to know that today’s dental patients have several options that can help maintain a fresh, youthful smile.

A Whiter Smile is a More Youthful Smile

A natural part of aging is the loss of enamel. Enamel is the outer white layer of the tooth. It protects your teeth from wear and tear.

Beneath the enamel is dentin. Dentin is yellower and harder. Over time, eating and drinking wear away the outer white enamel and allow the dentin to show. Additionally, activities such as smoking, nail biting, and sports can stain and chip teeth.

As your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist can attest, there are steps you can take to help keep your smile looking bright, white, and youthful.

• Stop smoking. Tobacco penetrates the grooves and pits in tooth enamel, and causes stains that generally brushing alone cannot remove.
• Watch what you drink. Red wine, dark juices, and coffee are notorious for staining tooth enamel. Reduce your intake to reduce the chance of stains.
• Watch what you eat. Dark berries can stain your teeth. Hard candy and popcorn kernels can damage enamel. Too much sugar can increase your chance of cavities.

It all comes down to limiting your intake of harmful food and drink, says your Century City cosmetic dentist. In addition, rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking something that might cause stains.

For the best-looking smile as you age, talk to your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist about having your teeth professionally whitened or adding veneers.

Straighten and Replace Teeth for a More Youthful Smile

You don’t have to be ashamed of your smile or walk around with crooked or missing teeth. Nowadays you have options.
While it would be great if everyone had a perfect smile, your Century City cosmetic dentist can assure you are not alone when it comes to dental issues. The adult mouth is equipped to hold 32 teeth. However, according to the latest data from The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research adults age 20 to 64 average only 24.92 teeth. If you’re one of the many people who have missing or crooked teeth, there is professional assistance available.

Consider braces – traditional or clear aligners like Invisalign – to straighten your teeth. If you are missing teeth, dental implants or a dental bridge might be the solution. For cracked or chipped teeth, your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist might suggest a crown.

Whatever your dental need, don’t wait. Let your Century City cosmetic dentist help you get a more youthful smile today.