No matter our age, we all want a healthy and beautiful smile. Today our Surrey dentists share some oral health conditions to watch for as you age, and what you can do to help prevent or treat them.
Oral Health Conditions in Older Adults
When it comes to oral health, as we age there are a few conditions that may arise, which don't typically occur in our younger years. If you think that you might be suffering from any of the conditions listed below, contact your Surrey dentist to book a checkup. Early treatment is key to preventing oral health conditions from becoming more serious.
Gum Disease
Gum disease slowly progresses without patients even knowing there's a issue. If left untreated, gum disease can damage to your jawbone as well as your gums. In severe cases gum disease can lead to loose teeth or even the loss of teeth.
Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Tender or swollen gums
Receding gums
Bad breath
It's important to note that a number of serious health conditions have been linked to periodontal disease, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory problems.
Be sure to make an appointment to see your dentist if you have any of the symptoms listed above. Your Surrey dentist can treat gum disease and help to restore good health to your smile.
Brushing thoroughly twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for check-ups and cleanings twice yearly, can help to prevent gum disease.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands don't make enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. Radiation therapy to the head and prescription medications may cause this relatively common condition.
Those who suffer from dry mouth face an increased risk of tooth decay. Your dentist can suggest strategies to help you deal with the effects of dry mouth and help to protect your teeth from tooth decay. If you suffer from dry mouth, see your dentist regularly for preventative care.
Tobacco
There are countless reasons to quit smoking. Improving your oral health is yet another reason to give up tobacco use. Smoking and chewing tobacco can stain teeth like nothing else, gradually turning your teeth yellow or even brown over time.
Quitting smoking and tobacco use can greatly reduce your chances of developing gum disease, tooth decay, mouth sores or lesions that do not heal (leukoplakia), and oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancers.
To help keep your smile looking young and healthy, quit smoking and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
Oral Cancer
Adults who smoke or chew tobacco have an increased risk of developing oral cancer. Oral cancers are often difficult to detect in the early stages. Seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and oral cancer screenings can help to protect your overall health as well as your teeth and gums.
Restoring a Healthy Smile
Our teeth naturally darken as we age, but some foods and lifestyle choices can also discolour teeth.
If your smile isn't as bright as it once was, there are a number of restorative treatments available from your Surrey dentist that can help to improve the overall appearance and function of your smile.
