Dr. Kontos Discusses Oral Challenges For Aging Patients

Thanks to improvements in modern dentistry, a large percentage of older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer than ever. However, good health during senior years is not guaranteed. Here are some oral care tips to help seniors maintain better oral health and a more attractive smile.

What Happens To Teeth As We Age?

As you get older, the mouth begins to change, and not necessarily for the better. Here are some of the more common conditions that often develop as we age.

• Normal Wear And Tear: Years of chewing and grinding can take their toll on aging teeth. Additionally, as enamel wears down, the risk for cavities and other oral health problems increases.
• Disease: This includes oral cancer and less serious illnesses, such as thrush, which is an abnormal growth of fungus in the mouth. Unfortunately, these conditions also increase exponentially as we age.
• Root decay: Often accompanied by gum disease, the roots of teeth may become exposed as gums recede, leading to an increased rate of decay in aging teeth.
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth can result from physical changes within the body as it ages, but can also be caused by medications. This increases the risk for oral disease, as saliva helps kill harmful bacteria and rebuild healthy enamel.

Maintaining A Healthy Mouth As You Age

There are several things you can do to maintain your oral health as you age:

• Drink Plenty Of Water: One way to combat this problem is to ask your doctor if you can substitute your medication for one that doesn’t produce dry mouth. If this is not possible, we suggest you drink plenty of water, chew a sugar free gum, and avoid alcohol, which can dehydrate your oral tissues.
• Use Fluoride: Switch to a fluoride toothpaste or incorporate a fluoride rinse into your daily routine.
• Stop Smoking: Tobacco use has been linked to an increased risk of mouth and throat cancer, as well as heart disease and other serious health conditions. Chewing tobacco can even lead to more decay, as many tobacco formulations contain sugar. That is why it is best to avoid tobacco in any form (even e-cigarettes).
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash: When used with brushing and flossing, an antibacterial wash can reduce the buildup of plaque. Just be sure to avoid rinses with alcohol content since they can also dry the mouth out.
• See Your Dentist Every 6 Months: Keeping your teeth in tip-top shape as you age requires a few common sense practices. It is also important to see a dental care professional regularly, as he can provide even more oral care tips. So don’t skip those regular checkups and cleanings.

See Emanuel Kontos DMD For Superior Senior Oral Care

If you or a loved one is dealing with some of the problems associated with aging teeth, we suggest you come see the professionals at Emanuel Kontos DMD. One of the wonderful options we offer to repair smiles is dental implants. There is no age limit for this amazing product as long as the baseline for candidacy is met. For more information on what makes a good candidate, check out the rest of our Dental Implants InfoSite or call us for a no-obligation consultation.