Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Healthy and Strong Throughout Your Life!

Americans are living longer than ever before - the average life span is now 78.8 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control. As you grow older, you want to make sure your teeth grow old with you, so you can enjoy delicious foods and continue to flash that smile.

As practicing dentists, we're seeing more cases of cavities, enamel erosion and teeth grinding. Acids in the foods and beverages we consume can cause erosion of the enamel on your teeth - that's especially true for sugary foods and beverages, such as sodas, fruit juices, and popular energy drinks.

Sparkling water, and surprisingly, even bottled water, can also be acidic and contribute to the chemical wear of your teeth. Plus, our increasingly stressful lifestyles may be causing many to grind their teeth, causing physical wear on them.

Here are five things you can do to keep your teeth healthy and strong as you grow old.

1. Cut down the amount of sugary and acidic drinks, especially if you're constantly sipping on them throughout the day.

2. Drink less bottled water and more tap water. Many bottled and sparkling waters contain acid, which leads to erosion. Drink more municipal tap water, which contains fluoride and other minerals that help prevent cavities and are good for your teeth as well as your overall health.

3. Chew sugarless gum - it activates your saliva, which help neutralize acids in your mouth.

4. Find ways to minimize teeth grinding by reducing stress and getting a restful sleep. Regular exercise and meditation can help.

5. If you're grinding your teeth while sleeping, talk to your Chicago Dental Society member dentist about getting fitted for a mouth guard to wear at night.

Dr. Victoria Ursitti is a member of the Chicago Dental Society and has offices in Arlington Heights and Algonquin. Need to find a dentist in your community? Visit http://on.cds.org/dentist