Will My Oral Health Change with Age?
Our bodies are ever-changing. You may notice that your body needs a different kind of care than it did when you were a sprightly teenager. Aging can require you to see different specialists or to take different precautions than you did in your youth. It’s also possible for your oral health needs to change as you age.
Increased Risk of Certain Conditions
Just as older individuals are more at risk of developing health conditions, like cardiovascular disease or arthritis, you have an increased risk of certain oral health conditions as you age.
One of these is dry mouth. The older you get, the less saliva your mouth may produce. It’s also possible that the medications you take can contribute to mouth dryness. Additionally, decreased upper body strength and limited dexterity can make brushing your teeth more challenging, which can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Oral cancer is also more common once you’re over the age of 45. Keep in mind though that age is not the only risk factor for oral cancer. Smoking, taking immunosuppressants, and drinking alcohol can also increase your risk.
What You Can Do
Considering your oral health can be negatively affected as you age, there are some precautions you can take. For example, make sure you maintain a consistent at-home routine of brushing twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing once a day. Consume a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and avoid tobacco products. Don’t skip out on your biannual dentist visits. And anytime you notice a change in the way your teeth or gums feel or look, book an appointment with our team. The faster you act, the quicker you can get treatment and the better you can protect your smile!
Jonesboro Dental Care offers dental treatment for both kids and adults. With our comprehensive dental services, we’re confident that we can take care of your changing oral health needs over the years. Contact us today!
Categorised in: Oral Health
