Can Going to the Dentist Make Me Look Younger? The Connection Between Youth and Your Teeth

3 Minute Read: 

There’s no shame in wanting to look your best as you age, but many of us could be looking in the wrong place for a proper solution. By looking at our beauty from a different perspective, we may realize that youthful beauty is more than just healthy skin—it is also healthy teeth. This makes dental visits more than just a way to keep our teeth clean. 

The key to reversing early signs of aging in the face often includes finding the appropriate dental care. You can ask your dentist several questions to better understand the relationship between dental health and your appearance. 

Can Tooth Loss Make Me Look Older?

While a tooth gap may seem minor, continuous tooth loss can cause an aged appearance. Aside from being the cornerstone of a great smile, our teeth are integral to keeping our facial muscles and bones intact. When a tooth is lost, the loss of bone and muscle surrounding and supporting the tooth can also develop. Without the support and volume your teeth provide, you may experience a sunken appearance in the mouth and cheeks—a look that is commonly associated with advanced aging. 

An uneven bite could also cause teeth grinding (bruxism), which could worsen issues like loss of hard and soft tissue surrounding the teeth. Your dentist can help you preserve your teeth with an occlusal (bite) adjustment. 

What Other Dental Issues Could Make Me Look Older?

Gum disease could also be the cause of an aged appearance. As you lose bone around your teeth do to gums disease your gums recede and spaces form between the teeth.

Untreated gum disease can progress to the point where bacteria can migrate under the gumline and cause bone loss. Bacteria in the jaw can attack the ligaments that attach your teeth to the bone, causing a worn and pulled-in mouth appearance. 

What Dental Procedures Can Reverse an Aging Appearance?

Cosmetic dental procedures have an important connection to your oral health and are designed to enhance dental function and your overall appearance. 

Dental Implants 

Single, multi-tooth, and full mouth dental implants can reverse a collapsed appearance in the face that is often seen in older patients. Once your dentist restores your teeth with implants, your face will start to regain its structure. 

Gum Graft

A gum graft (gingival graft) is designed to address the gum recession by placing a gingival graft to cover the exposed root. This procedure can also protect the teeth from further bone loss, root decay, and eventual tooth loss.

Regenerative Procedures

Regenerative procedures for gum disease can stimulate the regrowth of gum tissue and bone, anchoring teeth and reducing the chance of tooth loss. 

Interested in Learning More?

There’s a lot more to our aging appearance than skincare or spa treatments. Not receiving the right dental care could adversely affect not only your health but your youthful features. 

If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic dental procedures with Dr. Salamati, contact our office by calling (310) 275-1090 or filling out our online contact form.