While many people ignore the need to take good care of their teeth as they age, oral health shows signs of wear and tear as we age. Even though you may be feeling youthful now, the fact is that you will start to witness signs of aging with time. Also, having your aged parents complain about dental pain and discomfort can be overwhelming. However, dentist at rock creek services provide patients of all ages with incredible oral health care. With a team of family medicine doctors, you can be sure to have a healthy and promising smile regardless of the aging effects.
That said, no one should overlook the oral wellness of aged adults, as they need proper care to guarantee their overall well-being. Here are the five common dental issues affecting seniors and how to overcome them.
1. Dry mouth
Generally, as you age, your body’s ability to produce saliva drastically decreases. Since saliva helps keep your mouth moist, which is beneficial in preventing infections, cavities, and periodontal disease. Also, saliva deficiency can be exacerbated by frequent use of medications. This can lead to difficulties chewing and swallowing food, leading to loss of appetite. Therefore, regular dental exams with a dentist are crucial in detecting signs of aging before they cause severe consequences.
2. Gum disease
Problems related to gum disease, like gum recession, are typical in seniors. Gum disease is not only related to oral health conditions but can also occur due to physical problems like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Because senior adults are often susceptible to such conditions, they can give birth to gum disease, which affects their aspect of life. However, managing your physical health and engaging in frequent checkups with your dentist can safeguard your health against gum disease.
3. Missing teeth and uneven jawbone
Due to numerous risk factors, aged adults are often at risk of losing their teeth. Injuries, infections, decay, and untreated gum disease can aggravate your risk of teeth loss during your prime years. Furthermore, if you don’t replace missing teeth in time, the open spacing can cause your teeth to shift, thus leading to an uneven jawbone. However, treatments like dentures and implants can help you replace missing teeth.
4. Discolored teeth
As a result of years of consuming stain-causing foods and drinks, you can suffer teeth discoloration during your prime years. Stained or discolored teeth can make you often hide your smile, leading to feelings of self-consciousness. However, if you have discolored or stained teeth, you can significantly benefit from teeth whitening or veneer procedures.
5. Teeth sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity is an age-related dental issue that is common in seniors. Though it can come from various concerns, gum recession that causes tooth root exposure or damaged tooth enamel can be reasons behind sensitive teeth. If the symptoms don’t improve with an anti-sensitivity toothpaste, you should consult your dentist since it can indicate a more severe problem. In such a case, your dentist can provide you with treatments to help alleviate your situation.
The secret to better oral health during your prime years is taking good care of your smile daily. However, we understand that it can be overwhelming to look after your oral health during this period, so you should consider having a professional family dentist in your closet. With frequent dental checkups and preventive dentistry, you can overcome any hurdle that limits your ability to smile.