As you age, it becomes increasingly important for you to maintain a healthy smile. If you didn’t take care of your teeth before, you should start doing it now, as it is never too late to start. You need to visit your dentist regularly for dental check-ups and brush and floss your teeth at home. You still want those pearly whites to be intact when you grow older and if you already at that age, the tips listed here will help you smile your widest at any age.
Dental Care for Seniors: What It Entails?
When people age, their immune system weakens, they shrink in height, they develop certain problems, and are not able to move around as they used to before in their youth. However, not everything happens in that order. Then there are seniors who are consciously aware of their changing bodies and do everything in their power to make sure they live healthy and long life.
They go for a jog or a walk, eat healthily, wake up early, and more. Another consideration they should give is to their mouth, as part of aging gracefully is practicing good oral hygiene. If you have developed any of the following problems below or may be at risk to develop them with age, be sure to visit your dentist:
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Seniors will become more susceptible to developing cavities and tooth decay. That’s why they should visit their dentist regularly for cleanings and maintain good oral hygiene at home.
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Gum disease is more prevalent in seniors, which means they have to learn to spot the signs of early gum disease. If gum disease is caught early, its effects can be reversible. If you nearing seniorhood, mark in your calendar a day you will go visit your dentist. Seniors with a regular habit of visiting their dentist each month will have a higher chance of stopping gum disease in its track.
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Another great way to lower the likelihood of having gum disease is eating right, performing exercises such as Yoga that relieve stress, adopting good oral hygiene, and quitting smoking if you smoke.
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With age, gums tend to move away, which means seniors can expect to have increased tooth sensitivity. Seniors experiencing tooth sensitivity should try using anti-sensitivity toothpaste to see if it helps. If the problem is grave, visit your dentist to have them suggest a treatment.
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Seniors with any present health condition unrelated to oral health should let their dentist know. Since some medications can cause dry mouth or worsen your oral health, your dentist will be able to suggest you tell your doctor about your dental condition so they can prescribe you something different.
What Will The Dentist Suggest?
People who have lost or damaged their teeth can get crowns and bridges to strengthen and replace them. Crows will provide support to your damaged teeth while bridges will replace your missing teeth.
Visit Pearland Family Dentistry to discuss your options about what you should do to mend your smile. Our dentists can help you keep smiling at any age.