What your dental health says about you throughout the decades…
From smoking to teeth grinding, coffee drinking to the menopause, there are a number of lifestyle and ageing factors that play a part in our dental health. With a wealth of experience in his field, award-winning dentist Dr Mervyn Druian at the London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry has seen it all over the past 20 years.
Here he shares his prevention and hygiene advice with Safety in Beauty readers.
In your 20s:
This is often the party decade, full of fun nights out drinking with friends. But many alcoholic drinks have high sugar and acid levels that attack your teeth, especially the ones that have low calorie content such as champagne, cocktails and the mixers that go with them. And, depending on the amount of booze consumed, some of us might forget to brush our teeth altogether! Dr Druian advises: Chewing sugar free gum to stimulate saliva, neutralising the acid in your mouth, Sipping and swilling water around your mouth during your night out to get rid of the harmful acids.
In your 30s:
From partying, to responsibilities… entering into your 30s can be a stressful transition. Many people of this age suffer from teeth grinding (known as ‘Bruxim’). While the use of a night guard, regular dentist trips and even Botox (which relaxes the face muscles) can help, it’s the root of the stress that needs to be dealt with. Try: Taking up exercise, Meditation, Incorporating a relaxing regime before bedtime.
In your 40s:
Sadly, this is when your teeth start to yellow and become more susceptible to gum disease (a classic sign of menopause) – yes, it sounds depressing but it doesn’t have to be! It’s the loss of enamel that makes the teeth yellow, so a good oral health routine is essential for looking after it. You should also: Avoid staining liquids such as red wine and balsamic vinegar or if you do consume them, eat green vegetables beforehand. This provides a protective layer over your teeth, Make regular trips to the dentist and hygienist, Try a tooth whitening treatment for optimum results.
In your 50s:
The nerves in your teeth become smaller, meaning they are less sensitive to cavities. To prevent these problems arising, good oral health care is key. In addition, you should: Make regular visits to the dentist and hygienist, Chew sugar-free gum, Drink plenty of water to prevent a dry mouth, which harbours plaque, causing dental decay Remember, prevention is always better than cure!
with kind thanks to Dr. Mervyn Druian