Do your teeth appear darker? Does it seem harder to get them clean and white? As we age, teeth often begin to appear darker. As with many dental problems, this all relates to plaque.

Although plaque is colorless, it can make your teeth look darker. That's because plaque builds up faster as we age. These larger amounts of plaque mask the true color of your teeth.

Changes in dentin (the inner layer of tooth beyond the

enamel) and thinning of enamel can also make teeth look darker.

What can be done to keep your teeth looking naturally healthy as you age? There are whitening toothpastes available, but talk to us before choosing one, because some can be abrasive. There are also bleaching and other whitening methods available to help keep your smile pleasing. Talk to us about bleaching options that you could use to keep your teeth looking as young and healthy as you feel.

Gum, or periodontal, disease is one of the most common diseases in the country. Periodontal debridement -- otherwise known as root planing and scaling -- comprises the first line of defense in our war on periodontal disease.

Scaling is the technique we use to effectively remove tartar above and below the gumline. Once the scaling has removed the structures in which bacteria flourish, the surfaces of the teeth are smoothed to help the ligaments on the gum reattach.

Please understand that if this procedure isn't followed by meticulous homecare, including brushing after each meal and daily flossing, we may need to repeat the procedure or refer you for other treatment in the future.

Skipping meals doesn't help either, and many people who work out either skip breakfast (before a morning workout) or dinner (before an evening one). Lastly, the huffing and puffing you do when excercising can cause your mouth to dry out, reducing the saliva that rinses the mouth and reduces bacteria that cause odor.

Reducing your chances of developing sports breath doesn't take a lot of effort on your part. In fact, these suggestions should help improve your overall health and make your workout more worthwhile.

First, eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eating an orange or apple before you head to the gym can help you avoid breath problems without hampering your workout.

Second, drink plenty of liquids -- especially water -- throughout the day and especially during your workout. Drinking water cleanses the mouth by washing away bacteria and sstimulating saliva flow.

Third, brush after lunch or just before you go to work out. Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria that tend to gather there.

Fourth, using a mouthwash before your workout can help clean your mouth by killing bacteria and rising the oral cavity clean.

A litle hard breathing is generally part of any rigorous exercise, but keeping your body in shape doesn't have to be to the detriment of your breeath. Keep it sweet-smelling all through your workout with the four oral hygiene tips described above.