WE’RE KEEPING OUR TEETH longer than ever before. But in order to stay in optimal health, we need to be vigilant against potential problems. Certain risks can increase as we age.
#1 Tooth Decay Risk Increases
Aging can cause the base of teeth to become softer. In addition, roots can become more exposed. These two issues can cause cavities either around the base or root of the tooth.
#2 Dry Mouth Is A Common Problem
Thanks to medications, hormonal shifts, and the natural results of aging, dry mouth risk increases with age. Saliva is one of the main warriors against tooth decay, and without it, your risk of tooth decay and gum disease spike. Sipping water throughout the day, or chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva.
#3 Gum Disease Is The Most Common Cause Of Tooth Loss
Untreated gingivitis (inflamed gums) can easily become periodontitis. Gums pull away from the tooth and create pockets, where infections develop. Periodontitis can cause tooth loss and deteriorate jaw bone. If you have bleeding, red gums, talk to us. More frequent dental cleanings can help us keep your gums healthy.
#4 Oral Cancer Risk Goes Up
Oral cancer incidences increase as we age. Oral cancer is linked to heavy alcohol use and smoking, but even folks without those risk factors should be regularly screened at our office for early signs.
#5 Crowded Teeth Make Dental Health More Difficult
Many people experience shifting teeth as they age. Teeth can become crowded and more difficult to clean, and put extra stress on your gums and your jaw. Keep your oral health manageable, and your smile beautiful with more frequent cleanings, and perhaps orthodontic treatment to get a retainer or spacer.
Pass This Message On To Someone You Care About!
Even if you’re not over 50, you know and care for someone who is. Share this message and let them know that you care about their healthy smile!
If you have any questions about your own oral health, or that of someone you care for, give us a call. We’re always happy to talk with you.
SMARTPHONE TECHNOLOGY IS AMAZING. It brings the world to our fingertips. And now, smartphone apps can help us with our daily oral hygiene routines!
MOST PEOPLE CLENCH or grind their teeth from time to time. However, if you’re doing so frequently—especially while you’re sleeping—you may be damaging your teeth.
New Year’s Day came and went, and left a lot of challenges in its wake. During the very first week of January, our office team experienced a really hard day. One of our assistants called out first thing in the morning due to a death in the family. “Alright,” we thought to ourselves, “we can still get through the day.” But then we arrived at the office and discovered our computer network was down. Now normally I’m the in-house IT guy, but when I couldn’t figure out what was causing the problem, we had to bring in the experts. Two hours later, it was up and running, but sporadically. And because our office is entirely based on electronics, we were essentially flying blind. “Okay,” we thought, “this is a challenge, but we can still survive.” Of course, Murphy’s Law was in full effect that day, and as we gathered together for our morning huddle, yet another assistant called in to say she wouldn’t be making it to work. There we were; down two team members, down on the computer network, and down on our luck. “Well,” we thought to ourselves, “now what?”