Oral Issues as You Age
Dentists often speak of the importance of properly brushing and flossing teeth every day. However, there are a few oral issues that you are going to face as you age. As we age, our bodies go through changes, and the mouth is no exception to these changes. Some issues are unavoidable as times go on, but there are ways to help prevent and delay potential dental damage.
The Changes You May Experience
There are several changes that you may experience as you age. These changes can result in oral issues if not treated properly:
- Wearing down of enamel
- Dry mouth
- Receding gums or gum disease
- Increased risk of oral cancer
What Can be Done to Slow the Decline?
There are a number of things that can be done to slow the decline of your oral health. If the following elements are implemented at a young age, your teeth and gums will remain healthier for longer.
- Brush and floss twice a day, everyday
- Avoid smoking as this is known to cause tooth decay, strip the teeth of enamel, and countless other issues
- Always be safe when playing sports, wear a mouth guard and/or helmet
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help produce saliva
- Avoid grinding your teeth as this has been shown to wear down enamel
- Limit alcohol consumption
One of the key elements in ensuring your oral health is top notch even as you age, is visiting your dentist on a regular basis. This way if there are signs of issues, your dentist can detect and treat them early. Avoiding these visits may lead to greater oral issues down the line. Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaminer, your Hewlett NY, dentist at 516-239-6204.
