When I share my thoughts on growing older gracefully with my readers, it’s important for everyone to know that, as in so many areas of life, I bring more enthusiasm to my activities than expertise. Fortunately, curiosity and enthusiasm often compensate for brilliance or a list of college degrees. Having said that, I’m going to go on the record to state that in my opinion, when it comes to walking through life, a great smile is your best companion. Not only does it automatically put other people at ease but it has also been shown to stimulate our feel-good chemicals.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to forget about the importance of good dental care, habits and hygiene as we age. Many senior citizens feel that it’s no longer necessary to visit their dentist every six months, perhaps because the accumulation of cavities tends to decline with each decade. But I strongly remind readers that taking care of our gums and teeth is every bit as important for mature adults as it is for children.