Oral Health Problems You May Encounter As You Get Older

Oral health care for seniors for natural teeth is very similar to the same routine everyone should be incorporating their entire life. As you get older though, new problems are more likely to arise that you did not have to deal with at a younger age.

Sometimes it is simply due to your body getting older, but other factors such as the medication being taken can have a big impact too. Access Dental & Dentures is always here, throughout your lifetime, to make sure your dental health is the best it can be. Here are some oral problems that you may begin noticing in your mid-50s to 60s. If you are aware to be on the lookout for these problems as you get older, you will have a better chance of recognizing symptoms early. Then there is a much better chance for a positive outcome.

Dry Mouth
Saliva keeps your mouth moist and helps to wash away some bacteria between brushing. Aging causes many people to begin producing less saliva. Sometimes it is simply due to the body changes that come with age but most often it is caused by medications that are being taken. There are hundreds of medications that list dry mouth as a side effect. Letting the dentist know a list of medicines that you are taking can help him diagnose what is going on inside your mouth.

Periodontal Disease
Bacteria in plaque can irritate the gums, causing them to be red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. This type of gum disease most often shows up in adults largely due to the fact that the condition is usually painless until it reaches advanced stages, which can take many years to happen.

If it goes unnoticed and untreated for too long, the gums will begin pulling away from the teeth. This leaves pockets where food particles can become trapped and plaque can collect. Eventually, this will affect bone and ligaments that support your teeth and may cause them to fall out. Regular dental checkups can catch this early enough to keep it from happening.

Darkened Teeth
Sometimes this can happen because of changes in the bone-like tissue that lies under tooth enamel, which is simply from getting older. Over time, the enamel on the outside of teeth thins, allowing the darker, yellower layer underneath to show through. Another big contributor to darkening of teeth is a lifetime of enjoying foods and drinks that can stain teeth, like dark berries, tea, and coffee.

Uneven Jawbones
When permanent teeth are lost, if they are not replaced the remaining teeth can begin drifting toward the open space. Our dental offices in Southern Missouri can make removable partials for you on-site in our professional dental lab. Normally your new teeth can be ready the very next day and in some cases, the same day! Since this is all done in-house, we are able to make any necessary adjustments for a perfect fit while you wait. 

Mouth Cancer
People with mouth cancer are most often diagnosed in their early 60s. Keeping watch for symptoms, both on your own and through regular dental checkups your entire life, is very important. Symptoms typically do not cause pain, so other signs need to be watched for. If caught in the early stages, it could save your life. Symptoms can include open sores, white or reddish patches, and changes in the lips, tongue, and lining of the mouth that lasts for more than two weeks.

If you have adopted a good oral hygiene routine your entire life, you are more likely to notice changes arise before they become a big problem that is difficult to take care of. Brush at least twice every day, floss daily, use an antiseptic mouthwash, and visit our trusted dentists in Southern Missouri for regular checkups. Using an electric toothbrush is helpful for a more thorough cleaning and drinking an increased amount of water will help to keep your mouth hydrated. If you have questions at any time as you get older about your oral health, don't hesitate to give the experts at Access Dental & Dentures a call. We're here to keep that smile gorgeous for a lifetime.

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile! 

1-877-DENTIST

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