HOW TO KEEP A HEALTHY SMILE INTO OLD AGE
You'd be amazed to consider how our perception and understanding of dental health and ageing have changed in such a short period of time.While dental conditions can certainly become more common in the elderly,there are many misconceptions that surround the connection between ageing and our teeth.
One of the biggest myths about aging and oral health is the belief that losing teeth is a normal part of getting older.This is absolutely not true-your teeth should last you a life time. The status of your dentition and mouth are paramount to your over all health and will contribute to your over all longevity. If you look after your teeth, you're looking after the rest of your body and setting your self up for longer lasting and far better quality health.
Long -term mismanagement of your mouth can result in chronic gum inflammation, commonly known as gingivitis (bleeding gums), that will eventually lead to the deterioration of the structures that are the foundations of your mouth and can lead to tooth lossi n old age.
*Aging and risk of disease
There are some interesting and often misunderstood inter plays between conditions of mouth and age.
Tooth decay- Generally, our risk of tooth decay is at its highest in our infant and teen years. As people age, with the adult dentition coming into formation, newly forming tooth decay is less likely.How ever, that"s not to say we don,t need to worry about new holes.
One type of decay that does become more prevalent is root caries. These are lesions that appear on the root surface of the teeth that is usually covered by the gums. Conditions that impact the level of saliva production can significantly increase the risk of root decay.
Other areas that become a risk of decay are previous dental restorations that aren't monitored or replaced in time.
Gum disease-As we age, our risk of gum disease increase.With every birthday, we need to be more and more prudent in monitoring, maintaining, and caring for our gum health.
Oral cancer- The risk of oral cancer increases with age. While heavily influenced by certain life style factors, as we age we need to become particularly vigilant in our screenings for oral cancer.
*Dry Mouth in older patients
Dry mouth can be an issue for seniors, which can be related to medications or medical conditions. Saliva carries minerals and immune cells that help to protect the teeth from cavities and infections, so with a reduced flow of saliva, you will be more prone to oral health problems. The balance of calcium in your mouth, which is distributed between teeth and oral bacteria, is in a delicate interplay in your saliva.
Habits that produce short -term lack of saliva more harmful to your teeth, including the exposure to simple carbohydrates , are worsened by dry mouth. Your dietary habits like sucking on minutes or lollies mean that your teeth will be subjected to acid attacks. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water, preferably enough so that you never fell thirsty. You'd be amazed to consider how our perception and understanding of dental health and ageing have changed in such a short period of time.While dental conditions can certainly become more common in the elderly,there are many misconceptions that surround the connection between ageing and our teeth.
One of the biggest myths about aging and oral health is the belief that losing teeth is a normal part of getting older.This is absolutely not true-your teeth should last you a life time. The status of your dentition and mouth are paramount to your over all health and will contribute to your over all longevity. If you look after your teeth, you're looking after the rest of your body and setting your self up for longer lasting and far better quality health.
Long -term mismanagement of your mouth can result in chronic gum inflammation, commonly known as gingivitis (bleeding gums), that will eventually lead to the deterioration of the structures that are the foundations of your mouth and can lead to tooth lossi n old age.
*Aging and risk of disease
There are some interesting and often misunderstood inter plays between conditions of mouth and age.
Tooth decay- Generally, our risk of tooth decay is at its highest in our infant and teen years. As people age, with the adult dentition coming into formation, newly forming tooth decay is less likely.How ever, that"s not to say we don,t need to worry about new holes.
One type of decay that does become more prevalent is root caries. These are lesions that appear on the root surface of the teeth that is usually covered by the gums. Conditions that impact the level of saliva production can significantly increase the risk of root decay.
Other areas that become a risk of decay are previous dental restorations that aren't monitored or replaced in time.
Gum disease-As we age, our risk of gum disease increase.With every birthday, we need to be more and more prudent in monitoring, maintaining, and caring for our gum health.
Oral cancer- The risk of oral cancer increases with age. While heavily influenced by certain life style factors, as we age we need to become particularly vigilant in our screenings for oral cancer.
*Dry Mouth in older patients
Dry mouth can be an issue for seniors, which can be related to medications or medical conditions. Saliva carries minerals and immune cells that help to protect the teeth from cavities and infections, so with a reduced flow of saliva, you will be more prone to oral health problems. The balance of calcium in your mouth, which is distributed between teeth and oral bacteria, is in a delicate interplay in your saliva.
Habits that produce short -term lack of saliva more harmful to your teeth, including the exposure to simple carbohydrates , are worsened by dry mouth. Your dietary habits like sucking on minutes or lollies mean that your teeth will be subjected to acid attacks. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water, preferably enough so that you never fell thirsty.