Oral health is affected as we age, just as our bodies do. But having a healthy smile goes a long way in helping people feel confident. Though, it does depend on how you take care of your health and how you take care of yourself. Having the right expert such as a Klamath Falls dentist can help keep your teeth and gums effectively healthy for a long time. At Klamath Smiles, we support all of our patients in various ages in educating them about the importance of oral health and what necessary steps they should take in prolonging it.
How Aging Affects Oral Health
Aging up does not necessarily equate to tooth loss. Oftentimes, the risk comes with other dental issues. However, knowing what to expect can already help prepare you for when these occur.
Dry mouth
A lot of seniors go through having a dry mouth. This is due to the medication they may be taking, or medical conditions they are experiencing. Sometimes saliva production also lessens. This can be dangerous because having dry mouth risks cavities and gum disease instead of washing away bacteria.
Tooth wear
Everyday use of your teeth does affect the layer of enamel. The more it thins from chewing and grinding, the more it can make your teeth vulnerable to decay. The sensitivity that you feel can be a sign of this.
Gum recession
As you age, gums gradually recede. This exposes more of the tooth and could become more prone to bacteria build up.
Higher risk of cavities
Teeth become more susceptible to cavities as one ages. Other factors that speed this up is because of dry mouth and recession.
Medical conditions
Health issues negatively impact oral health. Making it more difficult to deal with infections and gum problems.
Tips for Maintaining Oral Health as You Age
You don’t have to go overly fancy in caring for your oral health. There are simple methods to pick up and habits to build to maintain the health of your teeth and gums as you grow older.
- Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush
Select a soft toothbrush when brushing aging gums. They are still effective in removing plaque to prevent decay and gum disease. - Floss daily
It is important to floss and reach crevices that a normal toothbrush cannot get to. Klamath Falls dentist also recommends tools that help patients dealing with arthritis to make things easier for them. - Stay hydrated
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water. As it can keep bacteria away and improve saliva production. - Watch for changes
Increased sensitivity or newfound pain is a cause for concern. Contact your dentist before the issue turns into an even bigger problem to deal with. - Keep up with regular checkups
Dentists will help to monitor your oral health and spot any signs before they worsen. You would not want to suffer with gum disease, cavities, or even oral cancer when it can be addressed as early as possible. - Maintain a balanced diet
Maintaining a well balanced diet will help your body and strengthen oral health.
Why Partner With a Klamath Falls Dentist
Each person has different lifestyles, this means that determining what works for you as you age would be better than going with a generic routine. Working with Klamath Smiles to personalize dental care matters most as you age up. Our team does a thorough review to understand any medical history. Seek advice from us on how best to improve your oral health. We will help to adjust your treatment plan as your dental needs develop.
Keep Your Smile Strong for Life
Aging may be normal but the degradation of oral health does not need to be perpendicular with that. With the right support of Klamath Falls dentists, you can maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Schedule an appointment with our team. Klamath Smiles will be available to guide you through the steps of preserving your oral health.