Why Dental Check-Ups are Key as You Get Older
Summary: As you get older, oral health often becomes more challenging. While maintaining good oral hygiene at home is necessary, regular dental checkups are particularly important as you age.
Good dental health habits are important for everyone. But, as you get older, you may face more challenges related to your oral health than in your early years. Good oral hygiene helps, certainly, and age alone doesn’t mean your oral health will decline. However, it can be difficult to maintain your oral health due to the following reasons:
- Teeth tend to become less sensitive, so you may not notice pain until you have a serious issue
- Reduced saliva production as you age, which increases mouth dryness
- Taking certain medications that increase mouth dryness
What are the key reasons to get regular dental check-ups as you get older?
The best way to ensure your teeth are healthy is regular dental check-ups. A qualified dentist can spot early signs of tooth damage or any other oral problems before they flare into full-blown dental issues.
Here’s why you should schedule that dentist appointment:
- Prevent weaker teeth: As you age, your teeth naturally wear away, making them more vulnerable to decay, cracking and chipping. Additionally, the enamel that protects your teeth thins, especially if you consume a lot of sugary or acidic foods, which leaves them susceptible to acid erosion. Your dentist can diagnose this and advise a course of treatment that can help you avoid any further damage.
- Treat receding gums: Gum tissue can recede for a variety of reasons, including genetics, aggressive brushing or tobacco use, which exposes sensitive tooth roots. These roots are more likely to decay and are more vulnerable to infections. Gum disease can cause symptoms like bad breath, puffy or bleeding gums or even tooth loss. Timely medical intervention can help you manage gum issues.
- Address dry mouth: Medications and age-related conditions can decrease saliva production. Bacteria tend to increase in a dry mouth which compounds the risk of cavities and gum disease. A dentist can recommend lifestyle changes that help mitigate dry mouth or even suggest a change in medication to reduce your symptoms.
- Get personalized treatment: With regular check-ups, your dentist can design an individualized oral care plan for your needs and risk factors.
- Maintain your confidence: Maintaining healthy teeth and gums allows you to eat, speak and smile comfortably — a real confidence booster in professional and social situations. You don’t have to be worried about bad breath (halitosis) from having a dry mouth or hiding your smile. Getting regular dental check-ups helps with your well-being and independence.
But getting regular dental check-ups is not just about your oral health. Once you hit middle age, all adults must contend with health risks that can result from dental issues.
What are the oral health risks that increase as you age?
- Oral cancer: As you age, the risk of oral cancer increases. Regular oral check-ups can help with early detection, considerably improving survival rates.
- Chronic conditions: Dental health is connected to your holistic health. Indeed, poor oral health can aggravate other chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, particularly for older adults.
- Weakened immune system: As you get older, your immune system can become weaker, making you more susceptible to oral infections.
This is why it’s important for you to get your teeth checked regularly. While individual needs are different, most experts recommend getting a dental check-up every six months.
Best Practices to Increase Oral Health
To protect your oral health and to get the nod of approval from your dentist, here are some oral hygiene best practices.
Brushing and Flossing
- Brushing your teeth twice a day assists in removing dental plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that coats your teeth if you’re not careful. When plaque builds up on your teeth, it can cause tooth decay or gum disease.
- You should brush your teeth with dentist-approved toothpaste at least twice a day, particularly after breakfast and before bed. Also, talk to your dentist about good brushing techniques.
- Floss between your teeth every day. If you have difficulty flossing, ask your dentist about using a special brush or pick instead.
Observe any changes in your mouth
The risk of oral cancer rises as you get older. So if you observe changes in your mouth, such as a spot that feels sore, trouble chewing or swallowing, or any type of pain or discomfort in your jaw for over two weeks, you should see a doctor or dentist immediately.
Live a better, healthier life
Building healthy habits is extremely important to maintaining your oral health.
- You’re aware that drinking an optimal amount of water is good for you. But staying hydrated also helps wash away leftover food and lowers your risk of dry mouth, which helps your teeth and gums.
- Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. This can help prevent tooth decay, and benefit your overall health.
- Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. These products put you at a higher risk for oral cancer. Smoking can also escalate your risk for gum disease.
Remember, your gums and teeth are just as important as other parts of your body, and in fact, oral health can have a direct impact on your overall health. Visiting a dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings is essential to ensure you protect your teeth and keep them healthy, particularly as you get older.