As we grow older, somethings in life can fall wayward. For most people, dental hygiene stops becoming a priority once they start to age. However, this shouldn’t be the case as a lifetime of chewing, crunching, gnawing, and grinding can wear away the enamel on your teeth and cause serious dental problems.
Therefore, the risk of losing teeth triples once you’ve crossed the age of 65. Just because you have a few grey hairs now doesn’t mean you should give up on your oral health. Here are a few reasons why you should continually take care of your aging mouth:
Reduces the risk of heart diseases
Regular flossing and brushing can ensure that your gums remain fit and healthy. The American Academy of Periodontology states that people with gum diseases are twice as likely to develop heart diseases than people with healthy gums. Gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis are common in American adults, and the best protection against these ailments is a hygienic oral cavity.
Decreases tooth decay
A study at the Harvard Medical School found that the rate of cavities in people over 65 is higher than those of school children. As gum tissue naturally recedes with age, the roots of your teeth become exposed and put you at a higher risk of tooth decay. Hence, the prime target of cavities in older people is around the neck of the tooth.
Taking care of your aging mouth by regularly visiting your dentist and brushing and flossing can significantly reduce the risk of dental caries. People with arthritis should switch to automatic toothbrushes, and all older adults should use fluoride toothpaste to reduce demineralization.
Lowers the chance of stained teeth
Your once sparkling smile can become dimmed over the years. This is due to the yellowing of dentin inside the tooth that can start to show through the thin layer of enamel that can become weak with time. The enamel itself can also become stained due to regular consumption of tea, coffee, and other colored food items.
A tooth whitening session at the dentist with ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide can bring back the shine to your teeth and make you feel confident again.
Helps in early detection of oral cancer
The risk of oral cancer increases with age and tobacco use. The most common sites of oral cancer include the lip and the tongue.
Early detection of the disease can dramatically increase the chances of treatment, but as the initial signs are subtle, they can easily be missed.
When you don’t miss dental appointments, you’re ensuring that the dentist will identify any signs of the budding disease and treat it promptly.
If you’re looking for efficient dentists in Woodland Hills, reach out to us at West Hills Smiles.
We offer dental procedures such as tooth whitening and dental implants at reasonable rates. Go to our website to learn more!
