Can Dental Care Make You Feel Younger?

We are used to hearing that if we want to look and feel younger we should exercise, eat right, and maybe even consider cosmetic treatments that run the range of injections all the way to surgery.  But what if the way we care for our teeth could also have an impact?

Can dental care really make you feel younger?

Dentistry does this through multiple ways: a healthy mouth reduces infection and bacteria and even reduces the risk of certain cardiac problems.  Inflammation caused by gum disease can lead to cardiovascular problems, including heart disease, blockages of blood vessels, and strokes.  Maintaining a healthy mouth protects your entire body.  Studies show that gingivitis or swollen, bleeding gums impairs cognitive skills and memory.  Poor oral health can cause infection in the body.  A healthy diet, regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene reduce the risk of tooth decay and infection. By brushing, flossing and using an antibacterial toothpaste or mouthwash regularly, you can reduce bacterial activity that can cause gum disease.

Strong teeth enable to you eat a healthier, crunchier diet, which maintains bodily health as well as jaw strength.  And cosmetic dentistry treatments, including dental whitening treatments and veneers, can improve gum appearance and the brightness/whiteness of your smile, making you look years younger quickly.  Thanks to new technology, veneers and whitening treatments are faster, more affordable, and more popular than ever.

Porcelain veneers are an effective cosmetic treatment that can make you feel younger.

• Veneers are customized porcelain layers, matching the shape and color of a particular patient’s teeth that cover teeth with the purpose of improving appearance and restoring a beautiful smile.  The dentist bonds them to the front of the teeth, creating a beautiful and attractive smile.  Veneers are an optimal solution for several dental problems and more and more patients find that the price of dental veneers is worth paying as they completely reshape their teeth and improve their confidence and appearance.  This procedure can correct crooked, misshapen, stained or worn teeth, as well as uneven spaces.
• Veneers are generally bonded to one’s teeth during two visits to the dentist.  During the first visit, the dentist prepares the teeth by taking a mold and assisting you in choosing the right shade of color.  The veneers are cemented during the second visit, after your teeth are cleaned, so that at the end of the appointment you can have a new bright smile.
• At the end of your second visit, the dentist will instruct you how to take care of your veneers.  Maintenance includes brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly.  However, it is important to remember that although you will enjoy this bright smile for a long period of time, veneers might need to be replaced at some point to preserve their quality.

Don’t forget: cosmetic treatments are no replacement for quality dental care.

Even the best cosmetic dental treatments can’t make up for poor habits and nutrition.  If you sincerely care about looking and feeling younger as long as you can, you need to keep the whole picture in mind.  A good dentist will encourage this, emphasizing a holistic approach to the many factors that go into not only quality dental care, but also our lifestyles and how they affect how we feel about ourselves.  With a comprehensive approach, creating a white smile that communicates confidence and well-being is easily done.

To get more information on the price of dental veneers, whitening, and other cosmetic treatments that can make you look and feel younger, visit www.torreyhillsdental.com or call1-858-523-1330.
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Born and raised in San Diego, Dr. James Tasto attended University of San Diego where he lettered in both golf and wrestling. After earning a Bachelors in Science from Loyola Marymount University, Dr. Tasto graduated from University of Southern California Dental School with an emphasis on cosmetics and sports dentistry.  Dr. James Tasto was selected by his peers to be included in the List of Top Dentists in San Diego for 2007 – 2011.  He appeared in the May issue of San Diego Magazine.  Dr. Tasto is also a member of D.O.C.S. (Doctors Offering Charitable Services), a local organization that offers medical services such as plastic surgery, vision and dental to the less fortunate patients in San Diego.  Dr. Tasto currently resides in San Diego with his lovely wife Traci and their 3 children. He enjoys golf, beach volleyball and playing with his kids.