Applying skin care, following healthy lifestyle habits and staying well-groomed will all help you achieve a youthful glow.
Maintaining healthy teeth can also make a difference, with whiter and straighter teeth often associated with youth, health and confidence.
But “there are a number of common mistakes I see patients make that can inadvertently damage their smile and make them look older than they are”.
This is according to Dr Jas Sagoo of leading general and cosmetic dentists Perfect Smile Spa, who shared how bad teeth can make you look older.
Teeth discolouration can make you look older
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GETTYHe said: “A good brushing and flossing routine is an important cornerstone of keeping our teeth and gums at their best.
“Brushing too hard, or flat instead of a 45-degree angle, can cause damage to tooth enamel and expose the inner layer of dentin, which can contribute to discolouration.
“Failing to floss daily is another avoidable error, which can lead to a buildup of plaque, causing cavities to appear and contributing to gum disease.”
A good smile is one of the first things people notice about someone, but poor dental habits can cause discolouration or increase the risk of disease. Keeping on top of dental hygiene could make you appear more youthful.
Dr Sagoo added: “Yellowish and damaged teeth and receding gums are attributes that are commonly seen in older people thanks to years of wear and tear, and some people are accelerating this process by failing to maintain a good oral hygiene routine.”
What you consume also speeds up the effects of this. Avoid foods high in sugar, and drinks that could wear away your enamel.
“It’s important to take care with what you eat and drink, avoiding acidic beverages, excessive sugar or sticky or tough foods that could damage enamel,” Dr Sagoo said.
“Not drinking enough water can certainly have a negative impact on your oral health as it is essential for washing away food particles and bacteria, and for keeping the body hydrated.”
Whiter, straighter teeth are associated with youth, health and confidence
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GETTYFighting ageing around your mouth will also help highlight a great set of teeth, and a skin care expert shared the non-surgical hacks to stop the signs.
She gave tips for both preventing more lines from forming and for tackling marks that are already visible, with sun protection being the first and most important.
Apply a high-factor SPF every day is vital for healthy ageing, as many fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots are the result of UV rays on the skin.
Opt for SPF30 to SPF50, and put this on any skin on show day-to-day, including the face, neck, hands and, indeed, around the mouth.