Taking good care of your teeth and oral health is a lifelong job.
That’s the message from the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA). In a recent press release, the CSDA highlighted proper oral health care for older adults.
It may be natural to experience more problems with your oral health later in life, but that doesn’t mean that deteriorating teeth and gum disease are inevitable. No matter what your age is, there are ways to treat and even prevent these oral health problems.
Prevention Is Key To Maintaining Oral Health
Preventive care is simple and relatively inexpensive. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are important parts of dental care and should be part of everyone’s routine.
Professional cleanings and exams are essential components in preventing oral disease. The CSDA recommends that senior adults visit the dentist for a thorough checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. In addition to a regular exam, the dentist will check for more serious conditions such as gum disease and oral cancer, which may not display external signs until advanced stages.
Senior citizens also may experience less pain and other symptoms of tooth decay because the nerves within the teeth tend to shrink with age. For this reason, by the time an older person feels any pain, the problem may be advanced. Early detection of any cavity or gum problem is very important.
Older adults are prone to decay on teeth surfaces, but these can be avoided with regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste as well as cleaning between the teeth with floss or interdental products. Also, dry mouth may be a common side effect of certain medications which can also lead to cavities.
Teeth weaken as we age, but there are many solutions to that problem. To strengthen weak teeth, a crown can cover the damaged tooth to enhance its strength, alignment, shape and appearance. If teeth are missing, a bridge can replace the tooth to fill an uncomfortable or unattractive space. Dentures can help increase chewing efficiency and actually aid in digestion!
Deteriorating teeth and poor oral health can be prevented at any age! Please come see us for a complete exam and to learn how to improve your dental health.
Let Us Know If You Have Questions on Any Aspect of Oral Health Care
Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been treating and educating patients for over twenty-five years. Our office serves the New Fairfield, New Milford, Danbury, and Sherman areas of CT and Pawling, Patterson and Putnam Lake of New York. You can call us at 203-746-1200 or make an appointment here.