An increasing number of individuals prioritize their oral health, striving to maintain their natural teeth throughout their lives. This is where our dentist can make all the difference. A robust and vibrant smile enhances your overall well-being regardless of age. As the years advance, self-care becomes paramount in ensuring you continue to feel and look your best.
Much like your physical health, dental well-being demands daily attention to safeguard your teeth and gums. By staying active, adopting a wholesome diet, and adhering to sound daily oral hygiene practices, you can take proactive steps to preserve a healthy body and a radiant smile, allowing you to savor life to the fullest!
Oral Health Conditions
As time passes, the aging process can impact not only your overall health but also the condition of your mouth. One significant change is the gradual narrowing of nerves inside your teeth, which can reduce your ability to detect cavities. However, with regular checkups from our dentist in Miami Gardens, FL, potential cavities can be promptly identified and treated. This proactive approach allows you to maintain your dental health, safeguarding your teeth from potential diseases and preserving your radiant smile for years.
Dry Mouth
Since health issues requiring prescription medications tend to crop up over time, you can end up with a dry mouth from a lack of saliva production as a drug’s side effect. Healthy saliva flow is needed to rinse away bacteria and oral debris while neutralizing harmful acids. A chronic dry mouth can lead to root and coronal cavities and gum disease. It can be combated by staying hydrated with water while limiting alcohol, sweetened, or caffeinated drinks.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is more prevalent as you age if you do not practice good oral hygiene. This infection of the gum tissue, which holds the teeth in place, is the most common reason adults lose their teeth, thanks to harmful bacteria prevalent in plaque.
Gingivitis
The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis, and you might notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums when you clean your teeth. The disease is reversible at this stage with daily oral hygiene and professional dental treatment. If you neglect to treat gingivitis, it will only worsen.
Periodontitis
The more advanced and severe stage of gingivitis is periodontitis. Unfortunately, it affects over half of adults between 65 and 74. It can lead to the breakdown of the gums and bone material holding the teeth in place. The affected gum tissue can pull back from the teeth, revealing the tooth’s root surfaces. Once the root surfaces of the teeth are exposed because of gum recession, they are more vulnerable to tooth decay. If enough supportive bone is lost, the tooth will fall out.
Oral Cancer
Adults over 40 are more susceptible to oral cancer. If you notice patches of red or white on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or other oral tissues, you should have an oral cancer check. Oral cancer can often be successfully treated if detected in the early stages.
What You Can Do at Home
– Brush your teeth with an electric or battery-operated toothbrush along with a cavity-fighting toothpaste and oral rinse to protect those pearly whites (this kind of toothbrush is especially useful if you have a condition such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis which prevents ease of movement).
– Floss between teeth with a flossing tool or interdental cleaner/brush to keep teeth and gums healthy.
– Clean full or partial dentures daily and remove them at least four hours daily to let the gums rest.
– Give up tobacco products as they can cause dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay leading to tooth loss.
– Consume a diet rich in nutrients that support your body, teeth, and gums.
– See your dentist regularly to spot developing problems early when they are least invasively treated.
Taking good care of your oral health as you age can help keep your smile beautiful and strong forever! Give our team a call if you have any questions or concerns about your teeth and dental health.
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