Common Oral Health Problems in Older Age
As we get older, we become more vulnerable to a wide range of health problems, and that’s true for your dental and oral health as well. Good oral hygiene practices are vital throughout your life, but they only become increasingly important as the years pass.
To show you what we mean, we’re going to take a look at some of the most common oral health problems that impact people in older age. So read on now to learn about them.
Tooth Decay
If you’re concerned about tooth decay, one of the best things you can do for your oral health is to brush regularly and attend dental checkups. It certainly is an issue that becomes more common as you get older and your teeth become less protected.
But that doesn’t mean that tooth decay is inevitable. Good cleaning routines, involving brushing, flossing and using mouthwash will help to keep bacteria at bay, and in turn this will make tooth decay problems less likely. Attending checkups will also mean problems can be identified and treated faster.
Dry Mouth
One of the things that declines with age is saliva production. This is something that might not sound like a huge deal, but it can lead to a problem known as dry mouth, which is pretty self-explanatory.
Sugars and acids can build up in the mouth more easily when saliva production is reduced, and that’s why this is an issue worth being aware of and paying close attention to. The easiest way to combat this problem is to drink plenty of water on a daily basis, as well as trying to reduce the amount of sugar and acid in your diet.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease as it’s also known is another common oral health problem for people in older age. It can lead to irritation in the gum area, as well as bleeding gums. Flossing and brushing each day can help to avoid it.
No matter how old you are, gum disease is preventable and it’s also treatable. It’s about doing your best to keep your gums clean and healthy, and as soon as you start to notice a problem, you should take steps to get it treated by a dentist.
Receding Gums
Receding gums is also an issue that can affect your gum area. This is a slow and gradual process that happens as we age, and it can lead to increased tooth sensitivity at the same time.
Not smoking, keeping your gums healthy and avoiding sugary foods can all help to reduce the impact of receding gums. And in serious cases, surgical options are possible.
There’s a range of issues that become more common as you get older. That’s why it’s important to stay in touch with your dentist, or find Nashua, NH dentists if you don’t have one already. Regular checkups will help ensure any issues can be dealt with sooner rather than later. Good day to day oral and dental hygiene practices will become more and more important as you age too.