Common Dental Problems as You Get Older
Dr. Gary Vance
| 2 min read
It is a known fact our bodies change as we get older, but did you know your mouth and teeth also go through changes as we age? However, with proper care of your teeth and gums you can expect to have a lifetime of good dental health. Here are a few helpful proper care reminders to keep your smile healthy and bright as you enter those golden years.
If you are a denture wearer, cleaning them on a daily basis is essential. Take your dentures out for at least four hours a day or even better; take them out at night when you go to sleep. This allows the tissue under the dentures to relax and recuperate from the constant pressure exerted by the dentures. It also allows you to soak the dentures in a cleaning solution to keep them fresh and clean. Following proper denture care can improve the long term success of you dentures and more important, lower the risk for potential negative effects such as oral cancer.
Did you know it’s a misconception that cavities are a young person’s problem? This is not the case. As we get older many people experience gum recession, thereby exposing the root surfaces of the teeth to normal mouth fluids. This exposure of the roots increases the chances of tooth decay. Additionally, as we age many adults take medication for various ailments that may cause less saliva production and dry mouth as a side effect. This lack of saliva can also lead to the increase chance of developing additional cavities. This means visits to your dentist for regular exams become even more important. Not only will regular dental exams help prevent cavities, they will also allow your dentist to evaluate any problems your medications may create.
Have a question about how to keep your mouth healthy as you age? Leave me a comment below!
