Aging doesn’t mean that it is the end of life. You got to embrace it rather than feeling older. Yes, age really is just a number. Since your age increases, it doesn’t mean that your quality of life has to decrease. Older adults tend to ignore their oral health due to various reasons. But, lack of self-care leads to both oral and overall health issues. As you age, you have to pay extra care to maintain your oral health.
Ignoring your oral care not only cause dental issues but also has an influence on overall health and increases the risk of getting diabetes and heart disease. If you are concerned that your oral health is at risk, consult your dentist Balmain and get your mouth evaluated.
Here are a few good reasons why seniors should take good care of their dental health
GUM DISEASE
Gum disease is one of the major reasons for tooth loss, especially in seniors. It is a dental condition that causes inflammation and infection around the teeth and gum tissue. Gum disease is caused by plaque and food left in your teeth. Older adults tend to avoid brushing and flossing for various reasons. Neglecting oral care is one of the significant reasons for gum disease. If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, you may have gum disease. Visit the dental clinic Balmain and consult your dentist immediately.
DRY MOUTH
This is a common dental issue that most of the older adults encounter. It can be due to taking medications as well as cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area. It is the saliva that helps to keep the mouth wet that helps to prevent dental decay and infection by controlling bacteria and virus.
HEART DISEASE
Researches show that there is a link between gum disease and heart disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the key to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related issues. People with gum disease are more likely to have coronary artery disease.
DIABETES
When you do not maintain your blood sugar levels, it can lead to gum infection and periodontitis. It is the last stage of gum disease, where it cannot be reversed and leads to tooth loss. Good dental care with regular dental check-ups can help prevent this condition.
TEETH SHIFTING
Tooth loss is inevitable as you age. But, replacing it with dentures or dental implants is essential to prevent teeth shifting. When a missing tooth is left as it is, the rest of the teeth tend to drift and shift to open spaces. As a result, it causes uneven jawbone that creates bite issues.
Tips to improve and maintain your oral health as you age
- Brush twice in a day
- Floss daily
- If you have partial or full dentures, clean them regularly
- Quit smoking and drinking
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid sugary foods
- Visit the Balmain dentist regularly for a complete dental-check
Taking care of your oral health is essential to enhance the quality of your life during your golden period. Take care and enjoy!
