How to Have a Healthy Smile at Every Age

Smiles can be very moving and emotional — whether it’s a baby beaming at you, a loved one expressing joy, or even a stranger showing you some kindness.

 A great smile can also elicit a whole range of responses from laughter to empathy — and smiling may even make you look younger, according to a recent study conducted at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. But like the rest of our bodies, our smiles change as we age.

“In very general terms, just living life (and getting older) is going to affect your smile,” says Tom Connelly, DDS, New York City-based cosmetic dentist and weekly contributor to the Huffington Post.

Your best bet for maintaining a beautiful smile from birth through your golden years is to practice good oral hygiene, go for regular dental checkups and cleanings, eat a healthy diet, and take care of any dental concerns as they arise.

Learn more about a lifetime of smiles and how to treat your teeth at every age.