Aging And Oral Health Basics
Our mouth is an integral part of the body so whatever is wrong with it, other parts can become affected. As people age, there is a need for them to exert more effort in order to preserve those wonderful teeth for long or even for a lifetime. There is nothing as good to behold and something to be proud of for a person if he has most of his teeth intact even at the age of sixty or beyond. But every day we are confronted with lots of food and beverages to choose from that can be damaging to oral health, and there are medications as well that could pose damages to teeth surface called the enamel. For these reasons, it would be hard for so many people to have complete sets of teeth even when they become elderly. It is a worse case for women. When women give birth, calcium is being depleted from their bodies. They may be needing replenishment and proper supplementation. Going through multiple pregnancies without not being given proper oral treatment often result to weakened teeth condition.
Just as our bones become brittle and weak with age, so as our teeth. However, as we employ preventive oral decay treatment, proper calcium supplementation and do all measures to care of our oral health, teeth longevity can be attainable. All we need as we add years to our life is proper maintenance of healthy diet so that our teeth will age well along with us.
Some of the most common oral health problems associated with aging are tender gums, loose teeth, receding gums, bad breath, bite changes or bad taste. It is best to undergo an early treatment of periodontal diseases because these problems can be linked to other health issues like stroke, heart disease, diabetes and other respiratory ailments. In case of teeth loss or receding gums, there are many remedies one can do to look good. Dental implants and dentures can correct the problem. One can still look good and exude a healthy bright smile. All you need to do is to see your dentist to know of what procedures to do to help you achieve oral longevity.
For older folks, their diet should have less sugar and acids. This is because their advanced age and higher risks for oral problems could be worsened. They should refrain from alcohol, smoking and use of tobacco as well. This is because drinking and smoking can cause stain and gum problem as well as body ailments. Gum problems are also prevalent in aging people as well. The progress of gum disease may be slow and may not often be detected that is why regular self examination or visits to the dentist is necessary. Medications such as those taken by asthmatic patients can cause mouth dryness thus contributing to the development of periodontal problems.
Older teeth are more prone to decay and so it is important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing at least two times per day. It is also highly advisable to visit the dentist regularly for checkup and other dental treatments. Fluoridation which can be found in water supplies, toothpaste and mouthwash solution can also help in protecting the teeth from cavity build up.