As we get older taking care of our teeth with good oral hygiene becomes all the more important. To maintain a healthy smile, it is important to care for them now rather than later. Do not put off brushing more and flossing daily, and making regular appointments for dental care. Taking care of your teeth now will help ensure that you will have them around when you are in your later years. Here some things to look out for as you enter your senior years.
- Darkened teeth: you will see changes to dentin and stains from a lifetime of food and drinks that lead to stained teeth.
- Diminished taste: the use of medications, certain illnesses and other effects of aging can change the way you taste things.
- Dry mouth: medical conditions, such as diabetes or cancer treatments can result in reduced saliva in your mouth, which may lead to other dental issues.
- Root decay: As you get older tooth decay can become more difficult to manage. This is why it is never too late to get started on a good routine of dental care.
- Gum disease: plaque buildup can lead to gingivitis or possibly periodontitis, which may result in serious consequences, including loss of teeth and receding gums.
How do I promote a healthier smile as I age?
- As you age it becomes crucial to make regular visits to the dentist for a cleaning and checkups every 6 months to ensure that your teeth stay healthy. It is important that you follow your dentist’s advice, especially if you already have experienced such issues as losing teeth, and using dentures. The dentist will also do a complete check of your mouth for oral cancer.
- Make sure to brush your teeth with a soft bristle to help make it easier on your gums. Regular brushing of your teeth after every meal as you age is important especially as your enamel wears away. Do not brush too hard because this will actually cause your gums to recede.
- Flossing should be done on a daily basis, to reach all areas of your teeth. Brushing teeth alone will result in missing up to one third of tooth surface your toothbrush is unable to reach.
- Implants are a relatively new advancement in dentistry and are a more secure and appealing solution to replace teeth. The procedure is more expensive than dentures but the result is permanent.
- Dentures may be the most viable and cost effective option, when our original teeth need to be removed. Rest assured that denture technology has improved over the years. Dentures are custom made to fit your mouth and replicate the look of your original teeth.
Dr. Ted Melchers and his staff provide dental care to patients and their families throughout the low country of South Carolina. Our patients are our primary concern. Our dental team is here to help develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Contact us Today at info@oldmtpleasantdentistry.com.
