Dental Health As We Age
Dental health, as we age, tends to get poorer. This may be because a person becomes more forgetful, has trouble doing things on their own, or it could simply be a result of an aging body. Cavities become more common, even if you’ve never had problems with them before, and some medications can cause dry mouth, which leads to even more cavities.
What Happens to Our Teeth As We Age?
Our teeth require a higher level of care as we get older. They won’t necessarily fall out, but they can if proper measures aren’t taken to ensure our teeth are in good health. There are a number of other problems a person can run into as they age , such as:
- Mouth Cancer. Most people diagnosed with some type of mouth cancer are 62 years of age or older. Regular dental visits will help catch the signs of mouth cancer early on.
- Gum Disease. The bacteria in plaque is what causes gum disease, and often goes unnoticed for a long time because it’s generally painless unless the disease advances.
- Cavities. When you had your first set of teeth, you were more susceptible to cavities due to a thinner layer on enamel on the teeth. Our dental health as we age worsens, and the gum line tends to begin receding. As the gum line recedes, you become susceptible to cavities, typically at the root of your teeth.
How Do We Keep Our Teeth Healthy As We Age?
The best way to protect our dental health as we age is to have regular checkups at the dentist, as well as a healthy habit of brushing our teeth. Preventing tooth decay, cavities, and cancers from affecting our teeth or mouth as we get older isn’t as hard as it may seem.
To help prevent poor dental health as we age:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. It’s best to use a brush with soft bristles, or you can use an electric toothbrush.
- Floss regularly.
- If you wear dentures, clean them daily.
- Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride to protect the enamel of your teeth.
- Don’t smoke/quit smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Visit the dentist at least twice a year.
Even if you do all of the above, you can still have issues with your teeth as you get older. At South Holston Dental Designs, we’re committed to making sure your teeth are as healthy as possible, and restoring the beauty of teeth that may have been lost as a person got too caught in their daily life to properly take care of their oral health. Contact us today to set up a consultation or an appointment for a cleaning.
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