When it comes to aging, most people would worry about the health of ‘major’ functions like the heart, the brain or the bones. However, most people are not aware that maintaining healthy teeth is also important as they grow older. As we all know, the older demographic is more prone to a variety of oral health issues, therefore, it is critical for you to consult a dentist for a suitable prevention plan. This prevention plan may also involve an orthodontist. As you age, the condition of your mouth may deteriorate if not maintained and taken care of. This article will discuss some of these issues and provide you with some tips on how to keep your mouth and teeth healthy.
Root decay
Your teeth may have been supporting you well all your life, however, prolonged or maintained malnutrition or even improper cleaning methods may cause the roots of your teeth to break down and eventually decay. This is a serious problem. If you feel like you might have this issue, consult your dental professional as soon as possible.
Dry mouth
Your saliva glands will not cease to continue producing and generating saliva as you age, but medications and certain chronic health issues can lead to a dry mouth. Most people may not see this problem as a very ominous one, but this is a misconception. Without sufficient saliva, your mouth is derived of a natural cleanser. With a dry mouth, one is more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.
Weaker taste buds
The average person likely believes that aging only affects the quality of your sight and hearing, but your sense of taste also declines with age. This can highly minimize how much you enjoy your favourite foods and drinks! To keep your taste buds healthy, it is important to have a balanced and healthy diet to decelerate the declining process.
Inflammation of tissue
If you find that your gums often seem a little tender or inflamed or you experience abnormally frequent bleeding, you may be suffering from gingivitis. Such tissue inflammation may be the result of poor oral hygiene or other gum or gingival conditions.
Oral cancer
We all know it: the risk of acquiring cancer is directly related to our age, and oral cancer is no exception.
Most people think that compared to bones, eyes and ears, our teeth and mouth are of secondary importance. This article shows you how oral negligence is a serious matter. Some simple but powerful practices can aid in the battle against oral problems. These include eating a healthier diet, regular dentist check-ups and sufficient consumption of water. Put these tips into action instead of just giving lip service, as habits will follow you as you grow older!