Often times teeth will discolor, become weaker, and just not look as nice as we age. So, what can you do to maintain a sparkling smile, even when you are older? Try the following:
    Use whiteners. This is an option you will want to talk to your dentist about, however, whitening your teeth can take years off your smile age. You can brighten and enliven your smile by reducing the buildup of stain. Staining is often simply a result of living, as you eat foods that stain, and drink beverages that stain, over time it takes a toll on your sparkling smile. However, you can try teeth whiteners, and reduce the amount of teeth staining agents you intake. Age itself can discolor teeth as well, so talk to your dentist about whitening options when discoloration is caused by aging.
    Get a soft toothbrush: one thing that can make your smile not sparkle as much is damaged gums and gum recession. If you use a soft bristled toothbrush, you will have less damage to your gums, never use medium or hard bristles. If you are not sure about your current toothbrush, check the packaging, and if you do not have the packaging anymore, throw that toothbrush out, and buy one you know is soft.
    Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and after each meal if you can. As you age, food stains, cavities, etc. become more rampant. So, if you want to maintain a sparkling smile, you have to be extra careful to maintain good brushing habits. You might want to set a brushing schedule so you keep at it, and give your teeth the best advantage you can.
    Replace your toothbrush often. One way to maintain a sparkling smile is by using the best tools you have available, and your toothbrush is one of them. So, when your toothbrush bristles fray out or become too soft, usually after 3 months, it is time to get a new toothbrush. Don't procrastinate, keep an extra one on hand so you never use a worthless toothbrush because you have to.
    Don't brush too hard, as it might make your gums bleed and cause unnecessary damage.
    Visit a dentist at least once a year for an exam and x-rays, and a cleaning. This is one of the best ways to maintain a sparkling smile. The dentist will clean away tartar buildup, which will make your teeth look whiter and younger; your dentist will polish your teeth so they shine and withstand plaque better. Your dentist will be able to give you pointers on other things you can do.
    One way to help maintain a sparkling smile even when you are older is to use mouthwash after your brush for a fresh, clean feeling and added protection against gingivitis, etc. When your mouth feels clean, you smile more often, and people notice.
    Floss daily. This can't be overstated, it is so important to maintaining a sparkling smile.
    Keep your mouth moist. Many older adults, especially those on medication, can have drier mouths. Saliva acts as a shield that helps to protect our teeth from the germs that cause decay. If your mouth gets too dry, you do not have that defense, and thus your chances of losing your sparkling smile faster increase. So, ask your pharmacist or doctor whether your medication is drying-up your mouth.