Maintaining a solid oral health routine is important, no matter how old we are. But as we grow older, taking good care of our teeth becomes even more crucial. Ask our dentist at Capitol Smiles and you’ll learn some vital information about how taking steps today will prevent problems from surfacing later.
First, it’s essential to recognize how our teeth — like the rest of our bodies — change over time. Our mouths go through stages in which the nerves in our teeth start becoming smaller. This may sound like a good thing, but it’s actually just the opposite. Smaller nerves in our teeth mean we become less sensitive to cavities and other irritations and issues that may arise. This makes coming in for regular checkups and exams by our dentist even more crucial for diagnosing issues you may not even realize are occurring.
A host of other issues lead to older people becoming more prone to getting cavities. One is dry mouth, a side effect caused by hundreds of commonly prescribed medications, including for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, allergies, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Make sure to tell the dentist about the medications you are taking for recommendations on how to relieve dry mouth.
Gum, or periodontal, disease is also commonly detected among older people because it is often painless. This condition occurs due to the buildup of plaque — that sticky, bacteria-filled coating that contributes to decay. Periodontal disease can cause the gums to recede from your teeth, opening the door for potential tooth loss if untreated. Our dentist also makes sure to screen for cancers of the mouth, throat and tongue, which can develop without causing any discomfort.
Losing our teeth as we age is not inevitable, and our dentist at Capitol Smiles can help ensure that you are taking all the right steps to protect your oral health. Why not contact our office today for an appointment?
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