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More and more people are keeping their natural teeth healthy for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. At any age, having a healthy mouth is essential for looking and feeling your best. As you grow older, taking care of yourself, including your oral health, is crucial to continue feeling great. Just like your body, aging and dental health require daily attention to protect your teeth and gums. Regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and practicing good oral hygiene will help you maintain a healthy body and smile, ensuring you live your best life!
Common Oral Health Conditions as You Age
As you age, dental health tends to change along with the rest of your body. Aging can make your teeth and gums more vulnerable to a variety of oral health issues. Understanding these conditions and how to prevent them is key to maintaining a healthy smile.
Cavities
Aging can narrow the nerves inside your teeth, making it difficult to feel when cavities are developing. Regular checkups at Lockwood Family Dental ensure that cavities are detected and treated early, helping you avoid more severe dental problems.
Dry Mouth
Prescription medications often lead to dry mouth as a side effect. Saliva is essential for washing away bacteria and food debris, as well as neutralizing harmful acids. Without enough saliva, you can develop cavities and gum disease. To combat dry mouth, stay hydrated with water and limit your intake of alcohol, sweetened drinks, and caffeine.
Gum Disease
Gum disease becomes more common with age, especially if daily oral hygiene isn’t maintained. This infection affects the gum tissue that holds your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Proper brushing and flossing are essential to prevent gum disease as you age.
Gingivitis
The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, presents as red, swollen, or bleeding gums during brushing or flossing. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with consistent oral hygiene and professional treatment. Neglecting gingivitis can lead to more severe oral health problems.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that affects over half of adults aged 65 to 74. Periodontitis can lead to the breakdown of the gums and bone that support your teeth, exposing the root surfaces and increasing the risk of decay. In severe cases, it can result in tooth loss.
Oral Cancer
Aging also increases your risk for oral cancer, particularly after the age of 40. If you notice unusual red or white patches in your mouth, such as on your tongue or gums, it’s important to have them checked by our dentist. Early detection is critical for successful treatment of oral cancer.
Aging and Dental Health at Home
Maintaining your oral health as you age is easier than you think. With a few daily habits, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.
Brush Effectively
Use an electric or battery-powered toothbrush along with fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth clean and protected. This is especially helpful if you have conditions like arthritis that limit hand movement.
Floss Daily
Cleaning between your teeth with dental floss or an interdental cleaner is crucial for removing plaque and preventing gum disease.
Care for Dentures
If you wear full or partial dentures, clean them daily and remove them for at least four hours each day to give your gums time to rest.
Quit Tobacco
Smoking and tobacco use can lead to dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay, which often result in tooth loss. Quitting tobacco is one of the best ways to protect your dental health.
Visit Lockwood Family Dental Regularly
Routine dental checkups at Lockwood Family Dental are essential for identifying and addressing any oral health concerns early. Whether it’s spotting the first signs of gum disease or performing an oral cancer screening, regular visits help keep your teeth in top shape. Aging and dental health go hand in hand, and with the right care, you can enjoy a lifetime of strong, beautiful teeth.
If you have any questions about your oral health or would like to schedule a checkup, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Lockwood Family Dental. We’re here to support your dental health at every stage of life!
