Of all the body parts and organs, teeth are probably the most low maintenance ones when we are young and in good general health. However, as we’re getting older, the fact that years are taking a toll on our teeth can’t be denied.
It’s a common misconception that we’ll all lose our teeth sooner or later. Age-related dental issues can be prevented, with the help of special dental care. Here are some facts you need to know about your teeth as you age.
There is a short list of general rules that need to be followed and brushing, flossing and using mouthwash altogether don’t take more than 10 minutes per day. If you’re maintaining proper oral hygiene, you most likely won’t need to see the dentist so often and you’ll avoid most issues that can befall you. Still, it is important to stick to your regular dental checkups; they will be a matter of routine and in most cases painless. As you get older, there are some additional steps you should adopt in your dental hygiene routine. As cavities, and other dental issues are more common later in life, you will need to fight the plaque more carefully as you age. Changing your toothbrush every two months and using a tongue scraper on a daily basis should be your new habits.
Plaque and bacteria that feed on it are not posing threat to your teeth only. They are the main cause of gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Inflamed and bleeding gums are dangerous for both our teeth and general health. First, they cause tooth loss by destroying the gum tissue around your teeth. Second, the bacteria that are causing gum disease pose threat to your heart, causing the inflammation of the heart’s inner lining. The good news is that you can prevent gum diseases by following the same steps as mentioned above - paying close attention to your oral hygiene. If your gums are sensitive, massage them with aloe/vitamin C gel. Certain herbal teas such as salvia can help you fight the gum infection more effectively.
Just because you’re not experiencing symptoms such as pain right now, it doesn’t mean that you should skip your biannual dental checkup. This includes people of all ages - particularly elderly people. As chances of getting oral cancer increase with age, seeing the dentist becomes more important. Every time you see the dentist, they will perform an oral cancer screening. better safe than sorry.
If you live in Gold Coast and Brisbane area, schedule a checkup with us at MGA Dental - our experts will make sure your teeth are in great shape.
Saliva is one of the plaque’s worst enemies. It removes the plaque build up and food particles because of its antimicrobial, lubricant and chemical properties. It also physically removes the plaque by rinsing it and cleaning the teeth. Unfortunately, as we’re getting older, we can’t enjoy the benefits of saliva as much as we did when we were younger. As we age, the production of saliva decreases and our mouth gets drier. As it gets dry, it becomes more prone to issues such as decay and gum disease. One of the culprits could be medications your physician prescribed you. Or, the fact that you are not drinking enough water. If you notice that certain drugs are the cause of your dry mouth, talk to the doctor about it and see if there is an alternative solution for this problem.
It is true that brittle teeth, prone to cracks can affect people of all ages. However, the risk increases as we age and the reasons are quite logical. Our teeth will start to wear out. This is a natural process, teeth are used every day and they can't last forever. All the chewing, grinding and acid is damaging the enamel. When the teeth’s coat is worn out, the teeth become more sensitive and weaker than they used to be. Once weakened, is easier to crack and break them. Paying attention to what you eat and following a healthy lifestyle can help prevent cracking. Avoid eating hard, sticky and crunchy foods that are not enamel-friendly. Refrain from ice, hard candy, popcorn, chips, and other similar foods that can crack your teeth or damage the outer layer. Make sure that you’re taking enough calcium as your teeth will need it to stay strong.
