How Can I Keep My Mouth Young as I Age?
Not long ago the need for dentures was an unavoidable solution as you got older. Today, 75 percent of individuals over 65 years old have at least some of their natural teeth. As you age, older people have higher rates of dental decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss. How can you counteract the problems that come with aging?
Ways to Preserve Your Mouth as You Get Older
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Taking good care of your teeth and gums is important, at any age. As you get older, good oral hygiene is critical!
- Use a soft bristled toothbrush
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste, twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Floss at least once a day, preferably at bedtime.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. This kills bacteria that brushing and flossing may have missed.
- Have regular professional cleanings at least twice a year.
Your Gums Need Special Care as you Age
Taking care of your gums is also critical at any age. Gums naturally recede as you age and periodontal disease is the primary cause of tooth loss for older adults. Gingivitis causes inflammation of the part of your gums around the base of your teeth.
Routine dental check ups will help prevent periodontal disease. Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS will take special care of your gum line, and can remedy the issues before they become critical. Gum disease leads to tooth loss, but it also contributes to heart disease, stroke, and in some cases, death.
Some Food and Drinks Attack the Enamel of Your Teeth and Gums
Over the years your pearly whites have worked hard to feed you and to bring pleasure that food brings to your life. In the process, your teeth have been affected by foods which dissolve the protective enamel and weaken the enamel can cause dental problems. Foods such as pickles, citrus fruits and juices, alcohol, coffee, sour candies, and soft drinks eat away at your tooth enamel.
This is another reason to see Dr. Evanson at least twice a year. When enamel erodes, your teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay. There are several treatments to restore enamel erosion that will help preserve your teeth, so make an appointment today to see what remedy will work for you.
Dry Mouth Commonly Affects Older People
As you age, it’s common to take more medications, which can be damaging to your oral health. Some medications cause dry mouth by decreasing the saliva in your mouth. The lack of saliva increases your risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
Counteract Dry Mouth:
- Limit caffeinated drinks, including soda, coffee, and tea, and avoid alcohol as all these dry out the mouth.
- Drink more water.
- Sugarless gum will increase salivary flow and volume.
- Sucking on sugarless candies will keep your mouth moist.
- Tobacco dries your mouth; is it a good time to quit smoking?
Your Smile Might Need to Be Enhanced
Some foods have no doubt stained your teeth over the years and stained and yellowed teeth cause you to look older. If your smile has dulled over time, consult with Dr. Evanson about whitening your teeth. Dr. Evanson will help find the right whitening method for your needs.
Keep Your Mouth Healthy!
Caring for your oral health is vital at any age. As you get older it is even more critical. If you are worried about aging and your teeth, make an appointment with Dr. Evanson by calling (720) 409-0008 or contact us online. She can put a smile on your face. There is something special about a smile that takes years off your looks!
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