As we grow older, a lot of changes happen in our body. These changes are different for different people depending on their lifestyle, diet, health condition and genes. These bodily changes include our dental health. These are some of the changes you need to pay attention to. They may be indicative of something serious.
Color of the Teeth. The color of our teeth changes over time due to several reasons. The food and beverage we consume over the past years, leave a stubborn stain on our teeth. Plaque left on our teeth can form biofilms that makes teeth look yellow. As we age, plaque tends to build up faster and becomes harder to remove. It is also inevitable for our teeth to change color because our dentin changes as we age. And this makes our teeth look darker. Dental professionals recommend that we brush our teeth when we wake up and before bedtime to remove bacteria that has accumulated at night and during the day. Some dentists recommend using mouth rinses that can remove plaque.
Dry mouth. Some medication causes us to have dry mouth. This is why a lot of seniors have reduced flow of saliva. People with dry mouth are susceptible to sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing or a burning sensation. Another purpose of saliva is to wash away bacteria in our teeth, gums and mouth. If you have dry mouth, bacteria will stay in the mouth and they will destroy our teeth. There are some products you can use to stimulate production of saliva like sugar free candies and gum. You can ask your dentist for more suggestions.
Thinning and receding gums. As we age, our gums recede. When it does, the part of the teeth that was once covered is now exposed. That part will be sensitive to hot and cold food and is prone to decay. This is why people more than 50 years old are more likely to develop dental problems than when they were younger. At this stage, your gums are also more sensitive. It is important that you brush thoroughly but gently so as not to damage them.
Bleeding gums. As soon as you notice that your gums bleed whenever you brush, have your dentist check on this. If it goes on undetected, it could lead to a more serious gum disease and might result to more dental problems and more expense. regular brushing, flossing and eating calcium-rich food is important towards keeping your gums and teeth healthy.
Fillings. Dental fillings can also weaken or crack over time. Or your tooth can crack or decay. Through these cracks bacteria can accumulate and damage the tooth and gums more. Through dental visits, your dentist can check on your fillings from time to time and see if there is any cause for alarm.
The food that we eat also plays an important role in the care of our dental health. If we regularly eat a good, balanced meal, we are more likely to fray from dental problems that are inevitable as we age. A healthier lifestyle can allow you to preserve your teeth longer.
As we age, dental check ups become more and more important for us. Seniors are more prone to develop different kinds of dental concerns. It is vital that your dentist detects it and treats it as soon as they can. If you are experiencing any discomfort, pain or swelling, let your dentist know about it.
The deterioration of our body as we age is inevitable. But we can still put up a good fight by doing what we can to slow it down. Daily dental care regimen, regular dental visits and a healthy nutrition are all part of it.
