The U.S. Census Bureau states that around 40 million Americans are age 65 or older. While it may seem unimportant to have regular visits to your dentist as you age, there are actually many health conditions that can be identified by what is happening in your mouth. Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia can be diagnosed because of a routine visit to your dentist. Fluoride as a rinse and in the drinking water is a relatively new concept, and older Americans didn’t always have this advantage. Unfortunately, this lack of fluoride treatment could increase the risk of decayed teeth and weak surface enamel. If you’re over the age of 65, you should make seeing your dentist as much as a priority as checkups with your general physician.
Increased Risk
One of the more important reasons to make that appointment with your dentist is the number of medications you take. Most people increase the number of medications they consume on a regular basis as they age. Some medications can contribute to oral problems such as dry mouth or even gum disease and tooth decay. As you age, it is not unusual for gums to recede from the teeth exposing roots. Increased exposure and use of medications can cause root decay which is another culprit leading to tooth loss. Always inform your dentist of all medications and supplements you are taking so they can watch for signs of damage to your teeth or gums.
Checkups Help Keep Cavities And Problems At Bay
Older individuals tend to have higher rates of cavities and tooth decay. Yearly or 6 month dental exams allow your dentist to clean teeth , take x-rays, and check all dental work such as fillings and crowns to make sure they don’t need replaced and that teeth and gums are healthy.
What If I Have Dentures?
While some 25% of adults 65 and older have dentures, regular checkups are still extremely important to ensure that dentures still fit properly. Without regular checkups and proper care of dentures, it is possible for the yeast candida to build up under dentures and cause inflammation and pain. In severe cases, patients have developed thrush when the infection is left untreated. Improperly fitted dentures can also make it difficult to chew foods and decrease the desire to eat leading to vitamin deficiencies.
No matter what your age regular dental checkups can prevent expensive and painful procedures while protecting your overall health. Remember that eating a diet low in sugar and high in nutrient rich foods is essential to keep your mouth healthy, and so is scheduling an appointment with us every six months for optimal oral health!
