Teeth weaken as you age, increasing the risk of dental issues. As a result, dental care should be a top priority in order to preserve good oral health - which is linked to overall health. With aging, our mouths change, but with good care and annual check-ups, we can keep our mouths healthy at all time.
Every day, we utilize our mouths. To breathe, talk, drink, eat, and engage in a variety of activities that can have an impact on our general health. With the degradation of dental prostheses and the use of different types of medications, there is a risk of developing gum and dental problems.
According to American Dental Association, there are common oral concerns linked with aging:
Some foods cause staining of your teeth. If left untreated, these stains over time can leave visible brownish, black or gray discoloration of your teeth which could be unsightly and affect how you feel about your smile.
The quality and quantity of your saliva is usually reduced which can has negative implications on the health of the mouth. Mouth dryness can be caused by a reduction in salivary flow, the side effect of medications, chemotherapy etc. This can affect speech, and feeding as well as increased fungal and bacterial infections, which lead to cavities.
Receding gums could serve as locations for mouth bacteria to cause disease. This, coupled with the reduction in the cleansing property of saliva could result in gum disease which can cause discomfort and tooth loss if left unattended.
Tooth decay can also occur from the loss of the protective function of the saliva and increased retention surfaces through the use of dental prosthesis.
Decades of grinding and crushing food with your teeth could cause them to weaken and eventually crack if left unattended. Frequent grinding and crushing of hard substances over the years will cause the gradual wear of the outer covering of the tooth (enamel). This makes the tooth brittle and more prone to fracture.
As your teeth become brittle, cracks can expose the underlying layer which is nerve-rich. This exposure can make you feel a shocking sensation when you drink cold drinks or air comes in contact with it.
The proper dental care to improve oral hygiene are:
Dental care should be incorporated into your general health care as you age. This would will not only ensure you have a healthy mouth but a confident smile.
Call your nearest Premier Dental of Ohio location today to schedule a consultation with one of our wonderful dentists. We can answer any questions you have about your mouth and any concerns you have about aging. We will also assess your specific situation and offer ways you can change your smile and keep your mouth healthy for years to come.
