Dental Health Concerns for People Aged 40-60

“With age comes wisdom.” Hopefully, that old adage is true. Unfortunately, one fact that is definitely the case as we age is that we become more prone to some dental maladies. Although it’s certainly not a foregone conclusion that we’ll end up with any of these conditions, getting older does increase your risk.

• Missing teeth
You may be surprised to learn that many adults in the US are missing one or more teeth. As we age, our teeth can shift to fill in the existing gap caused by missing teeth. This can lead to a host of problems. To avoid these issues, your dentist may recommend any of the following: implants, dentures, or a dental bridge.

• Gum disease
Unfortunately, gum disease becomes increasingly common as we age. This problem is very treatable in the early stages, which is why it’s so important to visit your dentist regularly and catch it early on if possible. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and potentially other much worse health problems.

• Sensitive teeth
As we get older, it’s normal that more and more of the enamel on our teeth is worn away by brushing. This loss of enamel can, and often does, lead to sensitive teeth. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy solutions to this problem, including using a toothpaste especially formulated for people with sensitive teeth.

• Dry mouth
One common side effect of several different medications is dry mouth, which makes it a common condition for older adults. Over-the-counter mouthwashes are available to help alleviate these symptoms, but there are other treatments as well. Talk to your dentist for more information.

• Oral cancer
As is the case with virtually any cancer, the chances of a person contracting this condition normally increase as we get older. Most dentists will check for oral cancer during your regular dental visit, which is another reason to not postpone your regular dental checkups. The earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to treat.

To schedule an appointment with Austin dentist, Dr. John Glennon, call today – (512) 454-0414

Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-40-60/concerns