Taking care of our teeth and gums is important at every age, but as we get older, our oral health needs can change, and unless we understand those changes, we may wind up with more serious problems that can affect our overall health, too.
At Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC, our team helps patients of all ages take important steps to maintain their oral health and ensure a lifetime of beautiful smiles. If you’re a senior, here are nine issues you should know about.
You may not think a lot about saliva, but it plays a major role in keeping your mouth healthy. Not only does saliva help wash away food particles after eating, but it also helps neutralize acids and prevent tooth decay.
As we age, we produce less saliva, increasing the risk of dry mouth (xerostomia). Some medications can also lead to dry mouth, along with problems with your salivary glands. Special mouth rinses can help, but before you try any DIY treatment, it’s important to schedule a dental visit to determine the cause of your dry mouth symptoms.
Gum disease affects almost half of Americans, increasing their risk of emergencies like tooth loss, along with risks of bad breath, receding gums, sensitivity, decay, and infections. At-home oral hygiene routines, including twice-daily brushing and daily flossing, play vital roles in keeping gum disease at bay, and so do twice-yearly checkups and cleanings.
Tooth loss is another common problem for many seniors. Even a single missing tooth can alter your bite balance and cause serious complications, like chronic facial pain or headaches and additional tooth loss, too. Seeking endodontic treatment for minor damage can help prevent tooth loss, along with regular checkups and a good home routine. If you do lose one or more teeth, dentures or implants help restore your bite balance and prevent further problems.
Oral cancer can affect anyone of any age, but it tends to happen more commonly among older people — especially those with a history of tobacco use. Regular checkups give your dentist a chance to check for signs of oral cancer, so treatment can begin right away.
Dentures are a time-tested way to restore your smile (and your confidence) following tooth loss, but if they don’t fit correctly, they can cause sore spots and infections. If you wear dentures, maintaining regular dental visits and following denture cleaning and care routines is critical. If your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, schedule an appointment right away so they can be adjusted.
Years of wear-and-tear damages enamel, exposing sensitive nerves and increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity. Gum disease and receding gums can cause sensitivity, too. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help, and so can treatments to restore gum tissue and protect enamel.
Restorations like fillings and crowns last a long time, but they’re not designed to last forever. If you have older restorations, they may be more prone to fractures or other problems. Older fillings may develop decay around their edges. Regular checkups are important for keeping an eye on older restorations so they can be replaced or repaired before problems happen.
Brushing and flossing require a certain amount of manual dexterity. Arthritis and similar conditions can make these essential habits more challenging. Our team can help you find brushing and flossing aids designed to reduce strain on your hands and wrists while enabling you to maintain your normal home routine.
Oral health requires a lifetime commitment, as well as an understanding of the challenges associated with getting older. To learn how we can help you maintain optimal oral health at every age and every stage of life, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.
