The importance of oral health as you age

4 things you should know about oral health when you age

While there is an importance of Dental health at any age and it will then decline the older you get. Problems may come up later in life no matter how cautious you were as a child or adult. It is not just a fact of life when thinking of tooth sensitivity as well as your tooth loss. Here are 4 different measures for prevention to know about regarding your dental health.

1.  Oral disease is a common among older people.

Common among many people who are over the age 65 is tooth decay or other oral diseases. Many grow up without fluoride in their water or fluoride products which can help protect teeth. Being disabled or homebound can put many older people at risk and in jeopardy of having poor oral health. Many people lose their dental coverage after retirement and regular dental care is not part of the Medicare design for coverage.

2. Teeth become sensitive as you get older.

With age; gum disease is more common with as many as 25% of people between the ages of 65-74 who suffer from severe gum disease. Loss of attachment of tooth to the adjacent gums is the measurement of gum disease severity. Exposed tooth enamel due to receding gums causes sensitive teeth which can also be affected by cold or hot beverages and food, sweets, cold air, or sour drinks.

3. Medications may affect your oral health.

With people over the age of 65; nearly 90% use at least one prescribed drug. Some drugs may cause excessive dry mouth which leads to fissured tongue and cavities, cracked lips and Is very uncomfortable. Limit alcohol or high sugar and caffeinated drinks; then sipping water regularly will help those suffering from dry mouth.

4. Oral health may be improved.

As brushing becomes more difficult, electronic toothbrushes may be used in place of manual ones or toothbrushes can be made to have longer handles which might be more comfortable to hold. Prevention of tooth or root decay may be accomplished with daily brushing. It’s important to clean dentures and brush remaining teeth for your oral health care. Dentures should never be cleaned with any abrasive household cleaners. Always use a toothbrush, backing soda, or denture cleaner.

Only 50% of seniors will see a dentist every year as shown in many studies and regular cleanings and exams are important at any age but especially important for seniors as said by Nathan m. Anderson DIVID.