Article for 50 Plus Magazine Live Longer and Look Better Doing It through Dentistry Americans are living longer and healthier than any previous generation. It was common for our grandparents to have lost most or all of their teeth by middle age. Tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease often resulted in an unpleasant trip to the dentist for an extraction. Happily, an increasing number of us over 50 have kept our natural teeth and it is one reason we are living longer. Dental visits are now more about prevention and treatments to keep teeth. Besides being able to chew properly and eat a more nutritious diet, other connections between oral health and general health are now well known. The first observation between longevity and dental health was made 100 years ago by Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic, who found that people who kept their teeth for a lifetime lived an average 10 years longer than those who had lost them. There is now a growing amount of evidence to support his findings. This includes the relationship to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, and cholesterol levels. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine (Dec 2005) reported progressive risks associated with tooth loss. There was a 21% increase incidence of heart disease among patients missing one to five teeth, a 60% increase when missing six to 31 teeth, and an 81% increase in heart disease for patients with no remaining teeth. The list of related medical and dental conditions is growing. Studies also find that psychologically and emotionally people feel better about themselves with natural teeth or solid replacements for missing teeth. A healthy mouth can help you live longer and happier. I think it’s safe to say that we all want to live longer, but we don’t necessarily want to look older. One way to combat this is to have whiter teeth. The demand for whiter teeth has created a whole new line of products and dental treatments. A comparison of these is useful. 1) Over the counter tooth bleaching products are the least expensive. They are safe and they work. They are sometimes difficult to place and time consuming. They are generally less effective than trays or in-office systems. 2) Custom made trays made by a dentist hold a bleaching agent against the teeth. They fit better and hold more bleach than strips or self made trays, and whiten better and faster when worn as directed. The results can be achieved in days to weeks . They are more expensive than strips and less that in-office systems. 3) The in-office power whitening procedures are popular because it takes one appointment to get the best results. The teeth are isolated and a light activated bleaching agent is applied during the 60 to 90 minute appointment. All of the techniques will lighten teeth but not fillings or crowns, which may need to be replaced to match the new lighter teeth. Some amount of fade back may also occur, depending on the amount of stain causing foods or drinks that are consumed. Touch-up kits are available. These products are simple, effective, non-invasive ways to improve the appearance of teeth. All of the techniques will lighten teeth but not fillings or crowns, which may need to be replaced to match the new lighter teeth. Some amount of fade back may also occur, depending on the amount of stain causing foods or drinks that are consumed. Touch-up kits are available. These products are simple, effective, non-invasive ways to improve the appearance of teeth.