Getting Older: Here’s How to Keep All Your Teeth

Brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist are crucial to your oral health and overall well-being, whether you’re 1 or 101. But as you age, proper dental care becomes even more critical. The good news is that, thanks to advancements in dentistry, losing your teeth as you age is no longer inevitable. You can keep all of your teeth, but as you get older, it becomes increasingly challenging to do so. However, it’s never too late to improve your oral hygiene habits and maintain your healthy smile.

What Aging Does to Teeth and Gums

Gum disease affects nearly half of all adults and can hit critical levels with age. As you get older, the nerves in your gum line become smaller. You don’t feel as much pain as you used to, so you might not notice the damage when decay does occur. If left untreated, it can result in tooth loss.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications can often cause dry mouth as you get older. Saliva plays a crucial role in rinsing acids, sugars, and food particles from your teeth, thereby reducing the risk of cavities. If dry mouth is a problem, try chewing sugar-free gum. It’s a good idea for everyone, but especially older people. Avoid sugary gum, which is more likely to cause cavities.

Finally, years of chewing and grinding your teeth also wear away your enamel, increasing the risk of cavities. That’s why restorative treatments like crowns or veneers are viable options for restoring the look and strength of your teeth.

What You Can Do to Preserve Your Teeth

The secret to a healthy mouth is fairly simple, regardless of age: brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist frequently. Consider rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. Chewing sugar-free gum, especially gum containing the sweetener xylitol, can help stimulate saliva production. Here are additional steps to take to protect your oral health for years to come:

• Clean dentures regularly. Remove them from your mouth and let them air out for at least four hours a day. The best time is at bedtime.
• Quit smoking. It’s never too late, and the health benefits are enormous when it comes to oral health.
• Drink tap water. Most tap water contains fluoride, which will help protect your teeth. It’s a good idea at any age, but especially as you get older.

Caring for a Disabled or Older Family Member

If you are caring for an aging parent, spouse, or loved one, it’s critical to help them remember to brush and floss regularly and to get twice-annual dental checkups. These healthy habits seem simple, but they may be challenging to facilitate if there are disabilities, cognitive decline, depression, or transportation issues to navigate.

If your loved one is confined to bed, it can be easy to forget to brush and floss, but it is still vital. If someone else is providing care for your loved one, discuss your concerns with the caregiver and collaborate with them to develop a plan that promotes dental hygiene.

If your family member has Medicare or Medicaid coverage, they may be eligible for additional dental care, caregiving support, or other benefits. Many family dental practices in Cincinnati can provide helpful information.

Caring for Smiles at Every Age

The professionals at Beckham Square Family Dental are available to provide support when needed. We care for our local patients at all life stages, including those living with disabilities or in advanced age. Contact our Blue Ash office today to schedule your next appointment. If you have age-related concerns about your oral health or that of a loved one, we’ll be happy to discuss them with you and provide the personalized care you need.