Tooth care for the elderly

"Getting Older Doesn't Mean You Shouldn't Care About Your Teeth"

Did You Know…?
As we all know we’re getting older and yes, if I knew the secret to staying younger I would share it with you and so would your dental insurance company too. The one thing I am sure is that youth probably doesn't come in a small cream bottle as would be suggested on the tv ads! Anyway, back to business, as we get older we are all more likely to develop dental problems that were we were not so likely to develop when we were younger.

Some of those dental conditions are the following:

• Teeth become darker - The reason for this is that your dentin changes over time to some extent causing changes in the bone-like tissue that underlies the tooth enamel - and by eating and drinking stain-causing foods and beverages all these years.
• Dry mouth - Dry mouth is caused when your saliva flow decreases, some reasons for this are cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, certain diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, and different medications.
• It doesn’t taste like it use to - As we get older our sense of taste begins to diminish, diseases, medications, and dentures can cause a decrease in your taste too.
• Root decay - This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue separates from the tooth.
• Gum Disease - This is caused my many things (tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and anemia, cancer, and diabetes); this is often a problem for older adults.
• Losing Teeth – The main reason for losing teeth is gum disease.
• An uneven jawbone - This dental problem is surprisingly caused by tooth loss.
• Inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture - Dentures that do not fit properly, cause poor dental hygiene, or a build-up of the fungus may cause this dental condition,

• Thrush - An overgrowth of fungus in the mouth caused by diseases or drugs which affect the immune system.

Here are some helpful tips

• Brush - Brush your teeth at least twice a day (morning and night) using a fluoride-containing toothpaste
• Flossing - Floss your teeth at least once a day
• Make an appointment - Visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and an oral examination

Age is not the main factor here, how you feel is about yourself is a factor and taking care of yourself should be your first and only priority. You can bet your last pound that if you take care of your teeth and your smile looks still looks stunning in your 60's, 70's, 80's and beyond; than you are going to feel on top of the world. Smile, you deserve to.