Find Us
My Blog
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (79)
- oral health (31)
- nutrition (2)
- orthodontics (9)
- jaw surgery (1)
- dental implant (3)
- veneers (3)
- inflammation (1)
- gum disease (10)
- periodontal disease (2)
- bleeding gums (1)
- gingivitis (1)
- oral hygiene (29)
- vitamins (1)
- oral cancer (3)
- dental injury (9)
- mouthguard (2)
- tads (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (11)
- dental implants (15)
- braces (11)
- baby teeth (1)
- pediatric dentistry (14)
- bridge (2)
- fluoride (3)
- tooth grinding (1)
- bacteria (1)
- smile makeover (5)
- tooth decay (3)
- root canal (4)
- retainers (3)
- chipped teeth (1)
- crowns (5)
- diabetes (3)
- sealants (1)
- tmj disorders (2)
- tmd (1)
- tmj (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- orthodontic treatment (17)
- sinus surgery (1)
- bad breath (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- eating disorders (1)
- bonding (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- mouthguards (3)
- root canal treatment (7)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- fillings (1)
- dentistry (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- tooth wear (2)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- partial dentures (1)
- teeth grinding (2)
- dentures (2)
- air abrasion (1)
- teething (2)
- chipped tooth (5)
- thumb sucking (3)
- porcelain veneers (5)
- tooth pain (3)
- teeth whitening (2)
- removable partial denture (1)
- retainer (3)
- antibiotics (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- palatal expander (1)
- clear aligners (3)
- oral heath (1)
- bone loss (1)
- partial denture (1)
- sensitive teeth (2)
- laser dentistry (2)
- sugar (1)
- shingles (1)
- flossing (1)
- x-ray (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- pulp capping (1)
- marijuana (1)
- oral-health (1)
- tooth extraction (1)
- toothache (3)
- gum recession (3)
- smoking (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- dental injuries (3)
- loose tooth (2)
- extraction (1)
- dry socket (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- vaping (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- root resorption (1)
- loose teeth (1)
- sedation dentistry (1)
Categories:
One thing’s for sure: We’re all getting older. Here’s another sure thing: Aging doesn’t necessarily look the same on everyone. That one spry octogenarian lapping younger folks on the track is all the proof you need. That’s why September has been designated Healthy Aging® Month: to remind everyone that aging well is an investment you make throughout your life—and that includes taking care of your dental health.
Just like the rest of the body, your teeth and gums are susceptible to the effects of aging. For example, after 50,000-plus meals (about 45 years’ worth), you can expect some teeth wear. A tooth-grinding habit, though, could accelerate that wear. If you think you’re grinding your teeth (especially at night), we can fit you with mouthguard worn while you sleep that reduces the force on your teeth. Managing your stress could also help reduce this involuntary habit.
Aging also increases your risk for the two most common dental diseases, tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Although different in the way they infect oral tissues, both can ultimately cause tooth and bone loss. Prevention is your best strategy—through daily oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly to keep the dental plaque that fuels both diseases from building up on your teeth.
You should also see your dentist at the first sign of a toothache, unusual spots on the teeth and swollen or bleeding gums. These are all indicative of infection—and the sooner you’re diagnosed and treated, the more quickly you can return to optimum oral health.
Aging can bring other health conditions, and some of the medications to manage them could reduce your mouth’s saliva flow. Because saliva fights dental infections and helps restore enamel after acid attacks, “dry mouth” can increase your disease risk. If you’re noticing this, speak with your doctor about your medications, ask us about saliva boosters, and drink more water.
Finally, have any existing restorations checked regularly, especially dentures, which can lose their fit. Loose dentures may also be a sign of continuing bone loss in the jaw, a consequence of losing teeth. If so, consider dental implants: The design of this premier tooth restoration can help curb bone loss by encouraging new growth.
There’s a lot to keep up with health-wise if you want your senior years to be full of vim and vigor. Be sure your teeth and gums are part of that upkeep.
If you would like more information about protecting your dental health as you age, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Understanding Aging Makes Beauty Timeless” and “Dry Mouth: Causes and Treatment for This Common Problem.”
