As you grow older, your teeth just aren't what they used to be, and your bones aren't either. Your teeth are connected to the gums and all of it is connected to the bones in your jaw. If your teeth become brittle, your gums start to recede and your jaw bone becomes thinner, it's going to wreak havoc on your mouth, making it more and more difficult to chew your food or eat the foods you used to, and it can also make it more difficult to keep your natural teeth. As you age, you need to know how to care for your teeth to keep them healthy. Read on for dental care tips.

Watch What You Eat

You've probably heard this a number of times before, but in this case, it relates to your teeth and what you eat could affect them. Sugary drinks and foods of course can bother your teeth, as the sugar left behind could eat away at the enamel. Other foods such as hard foods can also affect your teeth, especially as you age when your teeth aren't as strong as they were when you were younger. Stay away from hard food items such as hard candy, and other foods such as corn on the cob should also be avoided to prevent injury to your teeth. Be sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Coffee may have been your staple drink, but they could be causing your teeth to stain and also wear away your enamel.

Floss And Brush

You most likely have only ever brushed your teeth and probably only floss the week before you go to the dentist. Be sure you are also flossing your teeth in addition to brushing your teeth. Flossing your teeth can help remove the plaque and bacteria between the teeth, prevent receding gums, and prevent cavities as well. A cavity that goes unfilled, or that worsens can result in a root canal, which is something you also don't want.

Know When To Get Rid Of Them

Holding onto your natural teeth may not always be the wisest idea. If you are continuing to keep a hold of your natural teeth and have a lot of problems with them such as receding gums, or you have had several of your teeth already removed, it can cause a problem for the teeth that still exist. Instead, know when it's time to have them pulled and go with dentures or dental implants.

As you age, your teeth, gums and jaw bone can be affected as well as the rest of your body. Talk to your dentist about other dental care tips.