Ways to Keep Your Mouth Young, Despite Aging
In the recent past, dentures for aging adults were a foregone conclusion. Today, three-quarters of geriatrics over 65 retain at least some of their natural teeth. Older people, however, still suffer higher rates of gum disease, dental decay, oral cancer, mouth infections, and tooth loss. How can you counteract these problems that come with aging as you get older?
Ways to Keep Your Mouth Young
Following are some ways to avoid the problems that come with aging and your teeth:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Taking good care of your teeth and gums is important, no matter how old you are.
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste, using a soft bristled toothbrush 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 cleanings at the dentist’s office
Pay Attention to Your Gums
Caring for your gums is also important at any age. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss among older adults. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, affects the gums that naturally recede as you get older.
Regular dental checkups will help prevent periodontal disease. Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS will be cognizant of any changes in your mouth and gumline, and be able to correct the issues before they become critical. Research indicates that gum disease not only leads to tooth loss, but also contributes to heart disease, stroke, and in some cases, death.
Limit Acidic Food and Drinks That Attack Your Teeth and Gums
By the time you are 65 years old, you have spent nearly twenty-four thousand days chewing, gnawing, and crunching with your pearly whites. Throughout that time your teeth have been affected by foods such as citrus fruits, pickles, alcohol, and soft drinks, which dissolve the protective enamel and weakened enamel can cause dental problems. The need for a root canal or other invasive procedures triples once you’re over age 65.
Has Your Smile Faded Over the Years?
Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco and certain foods can stain your tooth enamel which causes you to look older. If your smile has faded consult with Dr. Evanson about whitening your teeth. The effectiveness of different whitening techniques varies with the type of stains you are dealing with, so let Dr. Evanson help you find the right method for your needs.
Is Dry Mouth Affecting Your Teeth?
Aging usually means that you are taking more prescription medications, which can damage your oral health. Some medications cause dry mouth, which increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease, due to the decrease of saliva in your mouth.
Ways to combat dry mouth:
- Limit drinking caffeinated drinks and alcohol that dry out the mouth; drink more water.
- Chew sugarless gum.
- Sugarless candies will keep your mouth hydrated.
- If you need another reason to quit smoking, tobacco dries your mouth and causes bad breath.
Dental Check-Ups Are Essential
Regular dental appointments will help you avoid serious dental problems, regardless of your age. A thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums every 6 months will help eliminate plaque build-up, before tartar forms and catch any cavities or other problems that may occur between visits.
Keep Your Mouth Young and Healthy!
Neglecting oral health can cause issues at any age, but as you get older, the problems increase. If you have concerns about your teeth and aging or any other dental issues, make an appointment by calling our office at (720) 409-0008 or contact us online.
Dr. Evanson will help to put a smile on your face that will take years off your looks!
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