Did you know that aging can impact your dental needs? Are you trying to find out how this new season in your life could change your dental health routine? We would like to help make this search easier for you by identifying some common concerns that can be found in adults ages 55 and above and what could be done.
Dry Mouth
-Dry mouth typically occurs when your saliva production is reduced. When this happens, the soft tissues in your mouth may become irritated and could be more vulnerable to infections.
-Saliva naturally helps to clean food particles from your mouth. If you frequently experience dry mouth, you could also be at a higher risk for tooth decay.
-Dry mouth can be caused by certain disorders, or it may be a side effect of different medications.
Concerns about Gums
-Gum disease could develop when plaque builds up along the teeth and gums. Gingivitis is the first stage, where the gums could be pink, tender or swollen. If left untreated, gingivitis could progress into a more serious disease and your jawbone could become infected.
Teeth
-Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of dental damage. If it persists for more than a few days, you should probably have your teeth looked at.
-Even you’re not experiencing any discomfort at the moment, cavities could still be developing that need treatment.
What Should You Do?
You can chew on sugar-free gum or candy to help increase your saliva production. You could also drink more water to help keep your mouth moisturized. An oral rinse may be recommended by our dentist for you to use.
You should continue seeing our dentist regularly so your teeth and gums can be checked for signs of disease or decay as they can easily start without your noticing. It’s better to resolve these before they develop into larger issues.