Fact: Your teeth age right along with the rest of your body. Myth: When you reach elderly status, dentures are unavoidable.

Your smile can be like a well-cared-for vintage car: aged and immaculate. Just follow these guidelines:

– Avoid wear and tear: Some habits to reverse or avoid include chewing on ice or other extremely hard foods, opening packages with your teeth, chewing on pens, biting your fingernails, or grinding your teeth. If any of these are a problem for you, don’t give up hope. Believe that you can change your ways – and get started!

– Take good care of your gums: The CDC reports that 47.2% of Americans over 30 have gum disease. In adults 65 or older, frequency jumps up to 70.1%. You can circumvent this periodontal issue by doing two simple things: brushing twice and flossing once thoroughly every day.

– Battle dry mouth: The older you get, the higher the chance that your mouth dries out. Your salivary glands fail to produce enough saliva, which is needed to wash away bad bacteria in your mouth and keep it healthy. You can battle Dry Mouth by drinking lots of water, chewing sugarless gum, and changing certain medications if needed.

– Have semiannual dental exams: Did you know that as you age, your teeth’s nerves shrink? You may have a cavity and experience no discomfort. That’s why it becomes so vital to visit the dentist every six months.

Is it time for your cleaning and exam? Golden West Dental Clinic in Rialto, California, is here to help. Call us at 909-421-8787. Dr. Rosendo Garza is eager to meet with you.