Dental Health As You Age

Aging comes along with many changes in your health.  As with other areas of your body, taking care of your teeth and gums become even more important.  There is a myth that when you become elderly, you will lose your teeth.  It is not a certainty at all.   As long as you care for your teeth and gums, there is no reason why your teeth can’t last a lifetime.

There are certain changes that occur in your mouth as you age.   Cavities may not immediately be detected as the nerves of the tooth become smaller with age. Having a change in the nerve might not let you feel discomfort as quickly as you once did.  Not getting regular dental checkups can cause this to create tooth loss as the damage to the tooth may be too great to save it once it is detected.

We all want to feel good and look good throughout our lifetime.  Regular dental checkups will help with that goal.

There are some important tips to remember to maintain your mouth health as you age:

• Always brush at least two times a day.  Opt for a brush with soft bristles so you don’t damage the enamel on the teeth.  Hard brushing can erode the enamel. If you tend to still over enthusiastically brush your teeth, go with an electric toothbrush.

• Cleaning between your teeth will keep food particles from remaining stuck there creating cavities.

•Perhaps you wear partial or even full dentures.  Remember to clean them every day.  Dentures should be removed for at least 4 hours a day and the best time to take a break from them would be while you are sleeping.

• Fluoride is always important for teeth and remains just as important as we age.  Drinking regular tap water will give you the fluoride you need as most communities add this to their water supply.

• Smoking is hugely detrimental to the health of your mouth.  Not only does smoke increase your risk of cancers such as lung cancer, gum disease problems increase as well as loss of teeth and tooth decay.

• Always keep up with regular dental checkups to detect negative changes in your dental health.

There’s no need to lose your teeth as you age.  Practicing good dental habits, which include eating correctly, proper brushing, flossing regularly and visiting our office will help ensure your dazzling smile lasts a lifetime.