Being over 50 certainly has its perks. You’re old enough to truly have some life experience, you’re confident in who you are, and you still have plenty of living ahead of you. Of course, physically, aging can definitely have its challenges, especially when it comes to your dental health. Taking care of your teeth is even more important as you get older, so today, your Marshall dentist, Dr. Charles Parker, is going to discuss 5 common oral health problems for patients over 50, as well as what you can do about them.
1. Dry Mouth
The mouth naturally produces less saliva over time, and many medications list dry mouth as a common side effect. In addition to not feeling very nice, dry mouth can make it difficult to eat and even leave you more vulnerable to gum disease. If you commonly experience this, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you think it may have something to do with your medication, consult with your doctor.
2. Dentures that Don’t Fit
Not everyone will need dentures just because they are over 50, but it will be a fact of life for many. If so, they should fit comfortably and allow a patient to eat and speak normally. Dentures that don’t fit properly can cause sores in the mouth, as well as severely limit a person’s food choices. Over time, this often leads to malnutrition. We can confidently say that we’re denture experts here in Marshall, so if you have any problems, be sure to contact our office today, and we can make any adjustments you need (including providing you with brand new ones).
3. Naturally Receding Gums
Even if you take care of your teeth like you should, your gums will still slightly recede as you get older. This can expose the sensitive enamel around the roots of your teeth and make you more likely to develop gum disease. To mitigate these risks, be sure to get at least two dental cleanings in Marshall each year. This, along with your home routine, will keep your gums healthy for years to come.
4. Gum Disease
Gum disease is the most common disease in the entire world, and patients over 50 have a much higher risk of developing it for a number of reasons. Thankfully, it is mostly preventable! All you need to do is brush and floss your teeth every day as well as get regular checkups every 6 months. The most common symptoms are red, swollen, and puffy gums that bleed frequently, so if you experience any of these, be sure to contact our office today so we can get you the proper treatment.
5. Tooth Loss
Whether because of gum disease, decay, or injury, many patients over 50 will lose at least one adult tooth in their lifetime. While this might seem like just a cosmetic problem at first, it can actually lead to many serious health concerns, too. The remaining teeth will often drift into the open space, causing alignment issues. Also, because the jaw is no longer getting support from a tooth’s root, it will start to recede and weaken, which in itself can lead to more tooth loss! The best thing for you to do is replace any missing teeth you have. We can provide you with bridges, dentures, or for a more permanent solution, dental implants. Dental implants actually replace your tooth from root to crown, providing your jaw the essential support you simply won’t get from other restorative treatments.
We’re Here To Help!
If you’d rather avoid all of these problems, the best things you can do are take care of your teeth at home and come see us regularly at the Marshall Denture Clinic. Daily oral hygiene will prevent many of these issues from developing, and if they do, we can give you the right treatments to make sure you’ll be smiling bright no matter your age.
If you have any questions about taking care of your teeth as you get older or want to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today.