Overview
Maintaining a great dental health in later life is easy with right education. You should learn about the top dental health problems for people over 50 and how to treat them. Gone are the days when missing teeth or complete dentures were norm for the older generation. With recent improvements in dental care more people are getting help than ever to keep their teeth. However, enjoying a great dental health means recognizing and dealing with the first signs of any problems as soon as they occur. Check out the top dental health problems for people over 50 and what to do about them.
Crowded teeth
As you get older, your teeth shift. The debris can easily get stuck in between the overlapping teeth, thereby make it difficult for you to brush and floss properly. The crowded teeth can not only cause decay and disease but they can also result in undue wear and tear on the enamel. The dentist will fit you with a retainer or even braces for straightening out your teeth. Alternately, frequent professional cleanings are needed to remove all the bacteria and debris from those hard to reach places.
Cavities
Do you think you are too old for cavities? Think again. Tooth decay is a serious problem for older people as well. Cavities can develop on the surface of the teeth, around the old fillings and on the roots of the teeth that weaken and become more exposed with age. You should prevent and treat the tooth decay by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and visit your caring dental clinic for regular checkups.
Dry mouth
Saliva has a significant role to protect your oral health. It keeps your mouth moist, helps breaking down your food and fights off the tooth decay. Dry mouth is more common in older people who tend to take lot of medication. A dry throat, bad breath, difficulty to swallow is just some of the symptoms of dry mouth. Are you figuring out the solution? Let your saliva flow by sipping more water throughout the day and chew sugar free gum. If your dry mouth still persists, then your dentist will recommend a stronger antidote.
Gingivitis
Are your gums bleeding, swollen or red? Then blame gingivitis. This is the early stage of the gum diseases that progress into periodontitis. Eventually, you may lose your teeth. Bring your mouth back to perfect health by keeping a good oral care routine, attending the regular checkups at your dental clinics.
Oral cancer
The risk of oral cancer increases with age. Tobacco and alcohol consumption as well as infection with the HPV virus are the most common causes of oral cancer. Symptoms include lumps, ulcers and red or white patches along the lining of the mouth or tongue. Early diagnosis is the key to your chance of survival. You should visit a good dentist who will screen for oral cancer at your regular checkups since this is important if you are a heavy drinker or a smoker.
Final words
All of the above dental health problems for people over 50 are concerns that could eventually lead to the tooth loss or more serious issues when not treated. To help avoid them, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular dental checkups and cleanings. We encourage you to call us and schedule your appointment if you are concerned about any dental issues at any age. We will discuss about your concerns to determine the best treatment options that will help you keep your teeth for a long time.