We all know aging is a natural part of life. And most of us start considering ways in which we can keep our bodies healthy as we age. We eat better. We step up our exercise routine. We even take extra vitamin supplements in the hopes that our bones and joints remain in healthy condition.
So why do so many of us take our jaws for granted?
We all know that tooth decay and gum disease can happen at any time—even if you’re older than 65. And most of us take preventative steps to combat it. But did you know that musculoskeletal conditions such as TMJD can occur in up to 12 percent of the U.S. population? And did you know that older Americans are particularly susceptible to it?
Don’t take the health of your jaws for granted. Here are 5 tips to keep them strong and healthy.
1. Healthy Bones, Healthy Jaws
We all know calcium prevents osteoporosis. But most of us quickly forget that our jaws are also made of bone. As our bodies age, our ability to absorb calcium declines. Postmenopausal women in particular are more susceptible to bone disease and should strive for a calcium intake of at least 1200 mgs a day. But don’t think that men can’t be impacted by bone decay, either. Even if you think your intake is adequate, men between the ages of 45 and 70 should still try to ensure at least 1000 mgs of calcium each day; adjust your intake to 1200 mg, since calcium works with vitamin d to support jawbone health, help protect a healthy jaw, and support overall well-being throughout life.
2. Stop Grinding Your Teeth!
Teeth grinding is a habit many of us are entirely aware of. That’s because it happens primarily at night while we’re asleep. But teeth grinding can also occur during times of stress and even in deep thought. Stress can tighten the jaw muscles and surrounding muscles. It’s not just responsible for tooth damage, but can also cause jaw pain. Headaches are just as common with tooth grinding, and ongoing clenching can strain the jaw joint and may lead to tmj disorders, so inevitably what goes for teeth will eventually affect your jaw, as well. Typically, your surgeon can identify signs of damaged teeth caused by grinding, and may even suggest Botox injections if the need is particularly drastic, since oral surgeons play a key role in overall health and wellness..
3. Eat Clean. Eat Healthier
If you’re like most Americans, you’re probably already eating a well-balanced diet as you age. But that’s the key word: balance. Good dietary choices support proper development and healthy jaw development, especially in early childhood and again during the teen years, when jaw growth is rapid. Proper growth also helps create enough room before permanent teeth come in. Strive for a mixture of hard and soft foods for a healthy jaw, including dairy for calcium and vitamin D to support jawbone health, as well as nutrient-rich foods that support overall oral health and function, as well as calcium-rich foods such as:
- Almonds
- Beans and lentils
- Celery
- Cheese
- Milk
- Oranges
- Sardines
- Seeds, nuts and grains
- Tofu
Crunchy fruits and vegetables and other tougher foods make the jaw muscles work during chewing and support bone growth. Relying too much on Processed Foods can affect jaw development over time, contribute to bite issues, and in some cases lead to problems that later require orthodontic appliances or surgery, or even complex procedures to treat facial trauma and jaw injuries.
4. Give Your Jaw A Break
It’s common to recommend a course of regular jaw stretches for maximal health as we age. The problem comes when we overwork the jaw and its joints. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be overused by excessive talking, eating too many hard foods, and even chewy foods or chewing gum, which can overstrain the area and contribute to tmj problems. Good posture, including relaxed shoulders and proper neck alignment, reduces jaw strain and supports overall health. It needs time to rest. Overuse can lead to muscle tension and discomfort, especially if you keep the jaw in one position for extended periods. Repetitive jaw movements can also contribute to TMJ disorders, so limit them when possible. Don’t try to stretch your jaw for more than 10 minutes each morning and massage it regularly if you feel stiffness or tenderness. Staying hydrated supports healthy jaw muscle function. During stressful moments, try Deep Breathing to help relax the jaw and support sleep quality, and work with your dentist to decide when a specialist is needed by understanding the difference between an oral surgeon vs. dentist for jaw-related issues.
5. Visit Your Dentist More Frequently
It’s a good rule of thumb that most people under the age of 50 should visit their dentist at least once a quarter, and more frequent checkups can also support long-term care to keep the jaw healthy. But as we age, the resilience of our gums, jaw and teeth begins to fade slowly, even though a well-developed jaw also supports clear speech and facial balance. As a result, you may find it necessary to visit your dentist or oral health specialist more often for professional care and timely treatment to keep your jaws at peak performance, sometimes including comprehensive care from an oral surgeon in St. George, Utah. Remember, it’s the health of your entire mouth you need to be concerned with as you age. If you experience persistent jaw pain, trouble chewing, or clicking, these can be warning signs that may need treatment. Dentists may also monitor changes in the face’s shape and overall facial shape when evaluating jaw health for patients.
And you won’t get a chance to buy another one, so if problems arise it may be time to consider specialized oral surgery in St. George, UT to restore function and comfort.