People of all ages don’t usually consciously think about their oral health until something happens that results in needed care. You brush and floss every day; and visit your dentist regularly. But as you approach your “golden years”, you may be faced with dental issues you never worried about before.
Common Oral Health Concerns
As people age, priorities may change. For example, tooth loss should never be considered an acceptable part of growing older. The ability to chew, speak clearly, and smile without embarrassment is just as important in your senior years as it once was. But many accept the loss of one or more teeth as a natural part of the aging process.
Dental decay may become a problem you thought you had outgrown. Illness or medications taken may impact your ability to produce sufficient saliva resulting in a dry mouth. This can lead to cavity formation. There are over the counter rinses that help to mitigate this problem; chewing sugar-free gum may help as well.
Gum disease can occur at any age; the reason you may receive this diagnosis is that symptoms often don’t appear until it’s too late. Since we usually rely on pain to trigger a response that there is a problem, with gum disease discomfort may not be present. Watch for bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, and receding gum tissue … see your dentist quickly. In its early stages, this is easily treatable.
Your Oral Health and Overall Health
These two are closely linked. Diseases like diabetes, arthritis, as well as heart disease can have a devastating impact on oral health. Make sure your dentist is aware of your medical conditions.
If illness or limited mobility result in required assistance, your daily oral health care may become more difficult to sustain. This makes regular visits to the dentist more important than ever, so don’t neglect this important part of your health care.
If it’s time to schedule your next dental exam and cleaning, contact our team at Tate Family Dentistry today.