I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
Healthy teeth are important at any age and that includes your senior years. Since dental problems tend to get progressively worse over time, you have a higher risk of dental problems when you're older if you haven't maintained good oral hygiene. Here are three dental concerns for seniors that your dentist can help you manage.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is often a result of poor dental hygiene, but the risk of gum disease can be higher when you have a medical condition such as diabetes. Plus, if you develop issues with grasping a toothbrush or using floss, then you may not be able to clean your teeth well enough to ward off gum disease. Your dentist might help by increasing the frequency of your dental cleanings, recommending oral care products to fight plaque and bacteria, and giving you treatments for early gum disease such as deep cleaning. Treating gum disease is important when you're older because the bacteria can spread from your teeth to other parts of your body such as your heart and cause medical complications.
Stained Teeth
Teeth naturally become more discolored as you age. This can make you look older than you feel. You don't have to settle for stained and discolored teeth that make you feel self-conscious. Your dentist might recommend a teeth whitening procedure that brightens your teeth. Another option is to have veneers put on so your teeth stay white permanently.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay and tooth loss are common with age, but you should strive to keep all your teeth if possible, and if you can't then consider replacing them with dentures or implants. Lost teeth affect the appearance of your smile and they can make your mouth look sunken and older. That's not the worst effect though. Without teeth, you may not be able to eat certain foods and maintain a healthy and varied diet. Eating a variety of foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables is important for maintaining good health as you age, and chewing is much easier when you have a full set of teeth.
Just because you're older, there's no reason to give up on good oral hygiene. Whatever problems you're having, let your dentist know so a solution can be found. A healthy mouth, pretty smile, and fully functional teeth benefit you throughout your life and well into your senior years, but they don't happen naturally. You'll need to practice good oral hygiene and have regular dental care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Visit RTC Dental to learn more.
Share26 April 2019
