Women's mouths in particular are susceptible to the visible signs of aging, such as tooth decay, gum disease and discoloration. Each of these conditions is directly related to lifestyle, lifestages and oral care habits.

Dr. Jennifer Salzer, a recognized dental physician, gives us her insight on tackling these issues to make your smile healthy and beautiful.


Lifestyle
There are significant lifestyle factors that contribute to making your mouth look older and contribute to bad breath. Making a change to your lifestyle can help you on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile.

"Smoking and poor nutrition top the list," says Dr. Salzer. "Smoking is the biggest contributor because it affects the absorption of calcium in the body, discolors teeth and aggravates the gum tissue causing periodontal disease. Smokers also have less of a chance of reversing the symptoms of periodontal disease. They are three times more likely to lose teeth, making periodontal disease treatments ineffective."

"In addition, smoking and tobacco use can lead to oral cancer. Other lifestyle factors that can contribute to the aging mouth include poor dietary habits and a lack of essential healthy-mouth vitamins, including calcium, vitamin C and vitamin D — all of which help build tooth enamel and restore gum function."

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Lifestages
"Pregnancy and menopause are two life events unique to women that contribute to the aging mouth," reports Dr. Salzer. "Both cause hormonal changes in the body that can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. For example, pregnant women experience their own type of gingivitis called 'pregnancy gingivitis,' which is caused by the hormonal changes and a 40% increase in blood flow throughout their body. I recommend that pregnant women continue regular dental visits for plaque removal, which can help alleviate gum disease and periodontal disease after their pregnancy is over."

"During menopause, women experience a significant reduction in bone density, which affects the strength of the teeth. Women who are experiencing menopause should increase their calcium intake and consult their doctor for specific details."

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Oral Care Habits
You can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, discoloration and bad breath and keep your healthy, beautiful smile.

According to Dr. Salzer, "Proper dental hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is the key to helping prevent these conditions because good oral care:
  • Removes plaque, a key contributor to gum disease,
  • Helps balance acid buildup in the mouth, which can eventually cause tooth decay
  • Dissolves foods, such as coffee and soda, which stain the tooth enamel causing
    discoloration."
Explore the Crest tooth whitening products, such as Crest® Whitestrips® Renewal , that can help you get a more youthful looking, beautiful smile. Or check out our tooth whitening pastes, including:
  • Crest Dual Action Whitening
  • Crest Whitening Plus Scope
  • Crest Whitening Expressions
  • Crest Vivid White Night
  • Crest Vivid White
  • Crest Rejuvenating Effects
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