Get the Facts About How Your Oral Health Care Needs Change as You Age
Our mouth is subject to many external environmental variables from the moment our first baby tooth erupts and falls out. As we get older, the environment and our genes have an impact on our dental health. Damage to the oral cavity, including teeth and the supporting structure, can have a negative impact on our quality of life. Infections of the teeth can spread to the surrounding tissues and, in the worst-case scenario, create a systemic illness.
As a result, persistent mouth infection is a well-known health problem, particularly among the elderly. Tooth loss can have a significant influence on the quality of life of older individuals. Losing a tooth may not seem like a big deal, especially if it’s diseased, but the consequences of tooth loss may be devastating.
Tooth loss can cause face anatomical abnormalities, communication issues, and a diminished capacity to chew food, all of which can contribute to malnutrition. It is well known that tooth loss is a natural component of the aging process. Permanent teeth are at a significantly higher risk for dental caries, periodontitis, infections, and tooth loss due to the structure of adult teeth. These adult teeth will not be replaced after they have fallen out. Tooth loss, on the other hand, does not have to occur early when appropriate oral hygiene is followed by regular dental appointments.
Preventing Cavities
Tooth decay, also known as dental cavities, is a chronic illness that affects people of all ages, from newborns to adults. Dental cavities are caused mostly by germs and can become contagious if not treated appropriately. If neglected, dental cavities can migrate to the dental pulp, causing early tooth decay. To remove the infected tooth, dental fillings or tooth extraction may be required. If you see the dentist on a regular basis, your dentist will be able to detect early indications of dental cavities. Fluoride treatments or fluoride varnishes may be recommended by your dentist to help prevent tooth decay.
Preventing Gum Disease
Another frequent chronic inflammatory condition observed in aging individuals is periodontal disease. When it comes to dental care, the illness does not necessarily produce pain or discomfort, which is often neglected.
Periodontitis causes the healthy gum tissue that supports the teeth to recede and peel away from the tooth if left untreated. Tooth loss occurs as a result of these changes. Gum recession is a natural aspect of growing older, but if it is caused by illness, it should be addressed to avoid tooth loss. Your dentist may prescribe dental scaling and root planning to treat periodontal disease.
Diabetes and Your Oral Health
Periodontal disease is more likely in aging individuals with diabetes, according to the American Dental Association and research studies. Preventing tooth loss in diabetic seniors might have major health implications. It can help you manage diabetes if you don’t have trouble chewing and consuming nutritious foods.
To avoid premature tooth loss, dental practitioners recommend that all older individuals undergo a biannual dental cleaning and oral health evaluation. Please contact California Dental Groupat (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment if you have any concerns regarding the health of your teeth and gums.
