Oral Health Concerns for Those Over 50
When they say, “age is all in your head,” they’re probably right. But then again, your teeth are in your head, so you likely can’t escape having to pay a little more attention to oral health concerns after 50.
Although some oral health concerns are fairly common at that age, if you adopt a proactive mindset and educate yourself, these concerns do not have to be common for you.
Anticipating and recognizing changes in your mouth can help you be on top of your health in this area, so let’s take a look at the main ones you have to watch out for.
Dry Mouth
The most common oral health concern you’re likely to experience as you age is dry mouth. In the medical world, dry mouth goes by the name Xerostomia, and can be brought on by many contributing factors, including the over-consumption of beverages like coffee and alcohol, as well as the frequent consumption of salty foods. Another big offender is the medication we take to treat various illnesses. The list of offenders isn’t a short one, either – there are many medications that can contribute to Xerostomia, including medications for high blood pressure and depression.
Ill-fitting Dentures
First off, it’s important to note dentures aren’t always needed as we age. If you or a loved one do wear dentures, it’s critical that they fit properly. Dentures that cause pain or shift in the mouth tend to alter a person’s eating habits, which can lead to nutrition deficits if healthy, but hard to chew, foods are avoided.Ill-fitting dentures can also cause thrush, which could lead to you having a rash inside your mouth.Today, healthier living and a better solution to dentures are Dental Implants. Many patients are transitioning to dental implants because they preserve the bone and improve oral health. Implants look and feel like natural teeth. Physical Obstacles to Good Oral Care: As we age, we sometimes find ourselves having physical ailments that may limit our desire to maintain good oral care. Arthritis, vision loss, or injuries are a few of the most common.To combat these concerns, using a floss pick to get between teeth can be helpful. The regular use of oral rinses can assist in dislodging difficult to remove food debris, while adding to the overall health of one’s mouth and gum tissue.
Naturally Receding Gums
“Long in the tooth” isn’t just a quaint expression about gaining wisdom with age – it also refers to how our teeth appear to “lengthen” as we grow older. In other words, it’s a fancy way of saying our gums are receding.
While some degree of gum recession is indeed natural, this predisposes us to cavities along the root structure of the tooth where enamel doesn’t exist. So, as one ages, flossing, brushing and rinses are more important than ever.
Gum Disease
Natural gum recession is one thing, a part of growing up if you will. Gum disease is preventable. Each of the above items in this list can contribute to gum disease, and good oral care can prevent it.
Failing to do so can lead to a need for dentures at its most extreme, and pain and swollen gums at its least. We’d prefer you experienced neither concern! Tooth Loss: If a tooth is lost due to trauma or decay, and not replaced with a dental implant, it can have serious complications for the health of the jawbone. Teeth can shift out of place and fall out, and bone tissue can be reabsorbed back into the body. Not a good thing.
Smoler Smiles strives to provide complete, personalized oral care to create winning smiles for you and your family.
At Smoler Smiles, our goal is to provide you and your family with high-quality, professional and friendly complete family dentistry. Every family deserves personalized dental care, and we work to create a comfortable dental experience for the whole family.
With advanced training and experience in all aspects of dentistry, we can ensure your family continues to enjoy beautiful, healthy smiles for life. Whether you need a routine checkup or cleaning, or more extensive dental restoration, the Smoler Smiles team is happy to help with your unique family dental needs.Our goal is to provide you and your family with high-quality, professional, and friendly complete oral health family dentistry. Every family deserves personalized dental care, and we work to create a comfortable dental experience for the whole family.
Call Smoler Smiles today to schedule your dental appointment.
New Patients: (734) 629-4306
Currents Patients: (734) 728-5600
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