Did you know that your dental health actually affects how old you look? Whether your smile shows it or not, aging is a natural process. However, the rate at which one ages can be accelerated due to bad dental habits. Poor oral hygiene and neglecting regular checkups can lead to several consequences, including premature wrinkles and much more. If you’re conscious about how old you look and want to keep a youthful appearance for as long as possible, then this article is for you! We’ll explore the effects of poor dental habits on your appearance, what accelerated aging looks like on the face, and tips to slow down the process.
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How Poor Oral Health Causes Premature Aging?
The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It protects us from external dangers, regulates our internal systems, and plays a crucial role in how we look and feel. With that said, it’s easy to see how poor oral health can affect multiple aspects of your life — including how old you appear!
According to Summerlin Dental Solutions, a dentist in Summerlin, “if your teeth are discolored, misshapen, or otherwise unhealthy, your face will display those traits.”
Poor oral health has been linked to thinning skin, which can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Additionally, gum disease, otherwise known as periodontal disease, can lead to tooth loss, which will accelerate the aging process further.
Dental Care and Your Face
When you think about your dental health, you likely picture your teeth and gums, but did you know that your facial skin is also a part of the equation? Whether you’re rocking a natural glow or relying on cosmetic procedures to achieve a certain look, your skin is a major component. Your lips, forehead, cheeks, and neck are all part of the skin that makes up your face, but they have different functions. For example, your lips are primarily responsible for movement while you speak, whereas the cheeks are used for expressing emotions like happiness or sadness. Your skin is made up of a few different layers, one of which is a thin layer of fat called the subcutaneous layer. This layer is responsible for your skin’s plumpness and youthful appearance.
Wrinkles in the Face Due to Poor Oral Health
As we mentioned above, aging is a natural process that occurs to everyone over time. However, there are some factors that can speed up the process, like smoking, sun damage, and poor dental health. One of the first signs that aging is occurring in your face is the development of wrinkles. Wrinkles are primarily caused by a decrease in collagen and elastin, which are the fibers that hold your skin together and give it its youthful appearance. Therefore, as these fibers break down, your skin will start to sag, and wrinkles will form.
There are a few specific wrinkles that can develop as a result of poor oral health, most notably the lip line, gum line, and smile line. The lip line occurs when there is a decrease in the volume of the lips, causing the upper and lower lip to meet. As the gum line recedes, it can lead to the formation of a visible line. This can be exacerbated by teeth that have shifted out of place. Lastly, the smile line occurs when the skin between the nose and the corners of the mouth starts to sag.
Signs Your Teeth Are Aging You
If you’re not taking care of your teeth, you’re not only putting your health at risk but your appearance as well. As we’ve seen, poor oral health can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging in the face. Additionally, missing teeth can make it more challenging to eat certain foods, and it can impact your ability to speak clearly. If you’re concerned about how your teeth are aging you, there are steps you can take to slow down the process. Make sure you’re brushing and flossing at least twice a day. If you’ve noticed your teeth looking discolored, consider whitening them. If your teeth are sensitive, make sure you’re using the appropriate toothpaste and consulting a dentist if the pain doesn’t subside.
Tips for a More Beautiful, Youthful Smile
If you’re concerned about how your smile is aging you, there are a few steps you can take to slow down the process. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush and using the appropriate toothpaste. If you’re using a manual toothbrush, replace it every three months to prevent wear and tear.
If you’re using an electric toothbrush, replace it every year as it’s less effective after that time frame. If you’re concerned about your gums, you can use a soft rubber tip to brush them. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, it’s possible that you’re brushing too hard. If you’re not flossing regularly, it’s important to start doing so. If you’re not aware with the proper technique, consider asking a friend or loved one to show you the right way to floss.
Getting Healthier Teeth Can Take Years Off Your Face
That brings us to the end of this article on how dental health affects the aging process! Remember that aging is a natural procedure, but your dental hygiene habits can speed up the process. Make sure you’re brushing and flossing at least once per day, and you’ll be on the right track. If you’re worried about your dental health and want to keep a youthful appearance for as long as possible, visit your dentist for regular checkups and make sure to follow their suggestions.