With all we put our mouths through on a daily basis, it’s no wonder that they would be prone to signs of aging. And if you’re wondering exactly what “old teeth and gums” look like — or if you yourself are feeling a little long in the tooth — the dentists we spoke to said it can be a combination of more than just aesthetic concerns, but also structural ones.
Read more Obama Sounds The Alarm On ‘Dangerous’ AI, Urges Dems To Take Action: NYT
New York City-based cosmetic dentist, Dr. Michael J. Wei, said that enamel wears down over time, leading to that discolored, yellow, dull and transparent appearance that we often associate with older teeth.
“Gum recession is another major factor, exposing the root surfaces and making teeth appear longer while also increasing the risk for root decay,” he said.
And from a functional standpoint, Wei said that years of clenching or grinding can cause microfractures, flattening of the teeth, and even jaw discomfort, all of which contribute to long-term dental instability if not addressed early.
“The biggest misconception is that all aspects of dental aging are inevitable,” said Dr. Richard Lipari, a cosmetic and general dentist at Lipari & Mangiameli Dentistry. And that, when it comes down to it, you can’t necessarily turn back the clock on your teeth and gums. But you can slow down the aging process by reinforcing enamel, reducing inflammation, maintaining moisture and controlling bacteria.
Our experts say that the best way to achieve these things is by using a combination of thoughtful products featuring clinically validated ingredients, and, of course, regular appointments with your dentist, who can offer more invasive solutions like bonding and gum therapy if needed. If you’re ready to take your preventive teeth and gum aging seriously, take a look at the list of products that Lipari, Wei and others recommend.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
A nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste for anyone who doesn’t want to use fluoride
For anyone looking for a more modern or alternative-to-fluoride toothpaste, Wei suggests hydroxyapatite-based formulas such as Boka Ela Mint Nano Hydroxyapatite toothpaste, which he said is very promising, as they help remineralize enamel and smooth microscopic surface irregularities, which can improve both strength and brightness.
“These ingredients essentially mimic the natural building blocks of your teeth and can reduce sensitivity while enhancing overall appearance,” Wei said.
A clinical strength remineralizing toothpaste
Rajpal also said that products containing targeted remineralizing agents help contribute to more youthful-looking teeth by rebuilding enamel, which is why we selected the trusted Sensodyne Proenamel toothpaste that “claims to repair 66% of micro-damage in acid-softened enamel,” according to the brand. It contains 5% potassium nitrate, which is good for nerve-exposed teeth, and 0.25% sodium fluoride.
Disposable night guards to prevent grinding
Lipari said that the patients of his who maintain the most youthful smiles long-term often avoid habits mechanical wear, like teeth grinding, in addition to controlling bacterial load and acid exposure. “This means consistent hygiene, managing dry mouth, avoiding overly abrasive products, and using targeted therapies like remineralizing agents or night guards when appropriate,” he said.
Dentists previously shared which over-the-counter mouthguards they thought really worked and these ready-to-wear BPA-free ones by Plackers were among the highlights. Disposable, but reusable up to three times each, the Plackers are slim in design, making them fairly comfortable, as well as being convenient for travel or occasional use. Because they’re pre-formed, rather than molded to your exact bite, the fit and retention can vary from person to person.
Read more Abdul El-Sayed Finds Unexpected Ally Amid Outrage Over Old 9/11 Comments
A prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste for compromised enamel
“Fluoride remains the gold standard, particularly in higher strength formulas like PreviDent 5000 Dry Mouth toothpaste,” Wei said. This prescription paste by Colgate, according to Wei, is excellent for patients with increased cavity risk or dry mouth because it strengthens enamel at a deeper level and helps protect vulnerable root surfaces. Due to its high concentration of fluoride, this does require prescription from your doctor, but can be easily purchased from Amazon Pharmacy, with or without insurance.
A combination formula for very sensitive teeth
If, in addition to your dental cosmetic concerns, you’re also dealing with sensitivity, which is very common with age, according to Wei, he says that he often recommends looking for potassium nitrate-based toothpastes or combination formulas like Dr. Jen Super Paste.
“[It] includes both fluoride and hydroxyapatite for a more comprehensive approach to enamel repair and nerve desensitization,” Wei said. This formula also contains xylitol, an ingredient that can help promote saliva production, and that you can learn more about further down the list.
A dry mouth care toothpaste
“Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids and maintaining a healthy oral microbiome, so supporting it is essential,” Wei said. If you’re experiencing dry mouth, which Wei explains accelerates aging in the oral environment, specialized products such as editor’s pick Salivea Dry Mouth toothpaste can be helpful.
It contains a complex of enzymes that activate the salivary glands in the mouth, as well as offering cavity protection using fluoride and calcium to help strengthen teeth.
A potassium nitrate toothpaste that can calm dental nerves
Lipari said that potassium nitrate can be found in sensitive-teeth toothpastes and works by calming the nerve response in exposed dentin, a symptom that, as our experts mentioned earlier, commonly happens with age.
Based on this guidance, we selected the CloveDen natural toothpaste, a vegan paste containing potassium nitrate that’s safe for receding gums and also features hydroxyapatite to help support and remineralize enamel.
A toothpaste containing chlorhexidine for damaged gums
Dr. Anjali Rajpal, a cosmetic dentist and owner of Beverly Hills Dental Arts, said that ingredients like chlorhexidine “can reduce nerve sensitivity, plaque, and gum disease, helping gums stay firmer and teeth stronger, which contributes to a more youthful-looking smile.”
Based on her comments, we chose to include Parodontax, a toothpaste specifically formulated to aid in gingivitis prevention and help with bleeding, receding and compromised gums by targeting plaque along the gum line and sealing them off.
A xylitol oral rinse to promote saliva production
According to Lipari, gums and oral rinses containing a sugar alternative called xylitol help reduce cavity-causing bacteria and can help promote saliva production. We found this lubricating oral rinse containing hydrating aloe vera and natural xylitol to promote saliva production. It’s also free from alcohol, which dentists have previously told us can cause dry mouth.
Read more ‘This Man’s Brain Is A Potato’: Trump Roasted After Reviving His Strangest Feud
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
Leave a Reply