3 Oral Health Concerns For The Aging & How To Address Them
by Christy Long
As you age, it becomes more important than ever to take care of your health. Taking care of your oral health is especially important. Your body changes throughout your lifetime, and these changes may bring on new health concerns. Having a good relationship and open communication with your dentist is the best way to combat obstacles when it comes to your oral health. Educating yourself and being aware of changes to your oral tissues is key. Here are three oral health concerns that come up as you age and how to address them.
Your teeth become sensitive to temperature.
It is common for your teeth to become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures when you get older. This can manifest in discomfort or pain when you eat hot food or when you drink an icy beverage. Sensitivity to temperatures does not mean that you can no longer enjoy cold ice cream or a cup of hot tea; instead, you must look for solutions to abate your discomfort.
As you age, it is natural for your gums to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth. In mild to moderate cases, your dentist will recommend that you enhance your oral hygiene routine by adding a fluoride mouthwash and switching to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. This helps to prevent tooth decay and infection of the exposed roots. In extreme cases, your dentist will ascertain if you need a soft tissue graft to cover the exposed roots.
Tooth loss becomes more common due to gum disease.
As you age, you become more susceptible to developing gum disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. With dentures and dental implants help to replace the natural teeth you lose, it is important to try to preserve your natural oral tissues because that helps to boost your overall health. In order to combat tooth loss, make sure that you continue to brush your teeth twice daily, floss once a day, and visit your dentist twice a year. You can also supplement your oral health routine by drinking green tea; catechin, an organic compound in green tea, has been linked with a reduction in gum swelling, one of the key symptoms of gum disease.
You may find it difficult to chew and swallow particular foods.
You may experience difficulty chewing and swallowing certain foods as you age. This could be the result of dry mouth, ill-fitting dentures, or tooth decay; these are all treatable conditions. Make certain that you take care of your teeth and dentures by keeping them clean. You can combat other oral conditions by eating a varied, healthful diet rich in grains, vegetables, and fruits.
If any of the above concerns you, talk to reputable, affordable dental care places like Bishop Michael R DMD & Associates for more information.
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About Me
I was very unhappy with the way that my front teeth looked. They were crooked and stained with an ugly yellow tint. I asked my dentist if there was anything that could be done to improve them. After discussing the options with my dentist, I decided to have crowns put on my front teeth. The procedure was painless and I wish that I had done it sooner. My name is Constance Graham and I am writing this blog to inform others about cosmetic dentistry. If you don’t like the way your teeth look, speak to your dentist about improving your smile. There are various cosmetic procedures that you can have done such as veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, and dental implants. I hope you use the information in this blog to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can help you.