Getting a little long in the tooth?

WEAR AND TEAR CAN TAKE A TOLL ON TEETH AS WE AGE, SAYS CAMILLA FOSTER

- CAMILLA FOSTER

OUR teeth are incredible tools that endure decades of biting, chewing and smiling. However, like the rest of our bodies, they aren’t immune to the effects of time.

Here are some of the most common ways ageing can impact our teeth and some helpful tips on how we can maintain a healthy, bright smile...

Enamel wear and tear

“As we get older, our enamel naturally wears down - chewing, grinding, acidic foods and even brushing too hard all contribute,” says Dr Rizwan Mahmood, dentist and co-founder of Ruh Dental Harrods.

“Once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back, which means your teeth can become more sensitive, discoloured and vulnerable to decay.

“To help reduce wear, it's important to brush gently with a soft bristled toothbrush, limit acidic food and drink, and to speak to your dentist about fluoride treatments to keep your enamel strong.”

Receding gums

“As we age, our gums tend to naturally recede, meaning that the gum tissue can pull away from the teeth and expose the base or root of the teeth,” explains Nyree Whitley, chief clinical officer at mydentist.