Why is Good Oral Health More Important as We Get Older?
Dental care is, and should be, an important part of our hygiene routines at all stages of life. As we approach later life, the fact remains that changes in our bodies may require a little extra focus on our health, and our dental routines need to adapt and change too.
Aging is a natural, inevitable process that affects our bodies from top to toe. Since most adults over 55 are now keeping their own, natural teeth for longer, compared to just a couple of decades ago, a few changes to the regular dental care routine can only serve to help keep our healthy smiles in place for even longer.
Certain medications that are more likely to be ingested by us as we age, and indeed, some of the conditions we are more likely to develop, such as diabetes, can lead to problems in the mouth and gingival tissues that we would not have needed to address as closely in our younger years.
Did you know that analgesics and other pain medication can mask dental pain? Therefore, it is even more important for us to adopt greater care in our health routines as we age, and maintaining good oral health with regular dental check-ups is a vital part of that.
Common conditions that can affect aging and dental care for oral health
Diet and nutrition play an important role in our oral health as we get older. An inadequate, or poor diet can have a detrimental effect on general health, but can also lead to disorders of the oral cavity.
Eat properly during aging and dental care has some help! Another issue that is almost exclusive to the aging population is the wearing of dentures. Ill-fitting dentures can lead to a reduction in the desire or ability to eat properly, which is not conducive to a good nutritional intake.
Let’s look at some of the common symptoms of the aging process that can affect oral health:
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is far more common in the aging populations across the world. Even when carefully managed, diabetes can exacerbate the risk of gum disease, dry mouth and even thrush.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can be caused by certain medications given to the older generation to combat typical medical issues associated with aging. Dry mouth can also encourage decay more quickly within both teeth and their roots.
Gum Disease
Without regular, good oral health care, plaque can build up around the teeth and gums, spelling problems in later life with the heightened risk of infection and gum disease. Gingivitis, the swelling, soreness and bleeding of the gums, is the first sign of gum disease.
Sensitivity
Sensitive teeth can be painful, and limit the types of foods that can be eaten comfortably. Sensitivity in the teeth can be caused by a thinning of the enamel, gum disease or cavities, all of which can occur in later life, although are not limited to age. A good oral health routine can help to prevent tooth sensitivity.
How Dental Excel can help you to maintain good oral health in later life
Dental Excel understands the difficulties and challenges that our patients face as they age. Our aim is to work towards the prevention of common oral health issues within the aging and dental care process, with the establishment of a good oral health routine. It is a common misconception that losing teeth as we grow older is an inevitability – properly cared-for teeth can last a lifetime. We are all aging and dental care routines need just minor adjustments, and a little more attention, to keep on top of our oral health.
Regular check-ups are a must for all ages, but particularly as we get older, in order for us to keep a close eye on your oral health.
Ill-fitting dentures are surprisingly common, and we offer a range of solutions to help you stay happy and comfortable with your dentures. Dental Excel embraces the very latest in dental implant and implant bridge technology, and can help you, even if you have previously been diagnosed with low jawbone density problems.
Find out more about All-on-4 Permanent Dentures at Dental Excel.
Contact Dental Excel today to make your appointment with our experienced teams at Beerwah, Bracken Ridge, Wurtulla, Caloundra and Palmwoods.
We are dedicated to helping you to keep your beautiful, healthy smile for as long as possible with a good oral health routine, and the latest technology at Dental Excel.
