The risk of losing your teeth gradually increases as we age. Therefore, the best way to avoid oral problems in our golden years is to approach dental care conscientiously. As you pass 50 years of age, some specific things become more prevalent. The following discusses what they are and how you can offset their effects.
Increased Risk of Tooth Decay
Teeth and roots grow weary as you age. Consequently, there are higher chances of damage from bacteria or other factors as your teeth become more exposed. Avoiding a host of dental problems at this stage of life is possible through a bit more effort to keep your teeth clean. Strategies like brushing immediately after a meal, using a water flosser (especially if you do not like manual flossing), and scheduling an extra dental cleaning annually can prevent tooth decay.
Dry Mouths
Over time it becomes harder to resist bacteria due to an increasingly dry mouth. Teeth are protected by the lubrication that enzymes in the saliva provide, and tooth decay is much more likely without those fighting enzymes. You can prevent this by continually increasing your water intake during the day or by chewing sugar-free gum.
Gum Disease
Severe dental problems can arise due to gum inflammation. Gum bleeding, infection, and tooth loss are products of advanced gum inflammation. Chronic gum inflammation is a telling sign of bacterial infection in in the gums. Schedule a dental appointment so that Dr. Rosales can advise the treatment to combat the infection.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a mouth disease that is usually caused by the introduction of foreign chemicals into the mouth. Smokers and those who use chewing tobacco are the most common group at risk of mouth cancer. The risk grows with age and usage.
Crowded Teeth
During the course of your life, your teeth will shift. Flossing can cause gaps to develop between teeth or they can shift due to wisdom teeth. Crowded teeth cause food to get stuck in the gaps and allow bacteria can grow in more places. Light orthodontics can rectify crowding teeth.