Keep your smile youthful with Soddy Daisy Smiles

Soddy Daisy Smiles' staff helps patients show off their pearly whites.

Every part of the body is affected by the process of aging, and the mouth is no exception. However, many may not consider the effects that aging may have on their smile.

"Many elderly people suffer from gum disease, mouth infections and plaque buildup in the

mouth," said Dr. Mandy Shearer, DDS, of Soddy Daisy Smiles. "As you age, your mouth will grow older as well. Your teeth are very strong as they are, but because we age, our bones often become more frail and brittle."

Shearer and her husband, Robert, are both dentists that help treat and correct the problems of aging in the mouth at their local practice. The office serves family and cosmetic needs and reaches patients in Soddy-Daisy, Chattanooga and the surrounding areas.

"My husband and I both complement each other in our office," Shearer said. "He loves the surgical end of dentistry, such as implants and extractions, and I am more focused on the cosmetic side."

Both dentists instruct patients that the best way to avoid the problems of aging in the mouth and to prevent losing teeth is to take care of them and practice great oral hygiene daily. They also suggest avoiding acidic foods as much as possible.

"Acidic foods include soda drinks and high-sugar foods and candy," Shearer explained. "This can eat away at the enamel and tear into your teeth, which will cause more cavities. And the more cavities that your mouth has, the more prone to infections you will be, especially at the root of your tooth."

Such infections and trouble could lead to needing a filling or even a root canal procedure, she added. People can avoid going that route by taking care of their teeth daily and following a simple routine of brushing twice a day, said Shearer.

Continuing education and innovation are at the heart of the Soddy Daisy Smiles practice. Everyone on staff works to help patients better understand dental care and the different options and treatments available to them.

"Dentistry is constantly changing," Shearer explained. "By utilizing the most advanced technology, such as our digital X-rays that offer better quality images and less radiation, I

can precisely detect problem areas in their early stages." She added that the office also has a DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection system that finds even tiny, hidden cavities, and with its soft-tissue dental laser, excessive gum tissue can be quickly and painlessly sculpted.

"Having the latest technology in our office enables us to provide the most conservative treatments for our patients," she said.

Another option is dental implants, which are being used for replacing everything from a single tooth to a full set of teeth.

"The implants look and feel like beautiful, natural teeth, so you can smile, chew and speak more confidently and have a better quality of life," Shearer said.