Oral health is a significant factor affecting various areas of someone’s life. It can impact their overall quality of life, as well as their general health and wellbeing. As we get older, our oral health becomes increasingly important. It is because we are more likely to experience numerous dental problems.
From denture care to discolouration, tooth loss and gum disease, there are numerous oral health issues we are likely to experience as we get older.
Knowing what the hazards are can help you to understand how to address them. Most importantly, you will understand how to prevent these issues from developing into other dental problems.
Experience Bad Breath
Struggling with bad breath can make social situations uncomfortable. Bad breath is not a symptom that stands on its own. It is an underlying cause that needs addressing. In doing so, it can help to eliminate the issue. Both dry mouth and periodontal disease can be contributors to having bad breath.
Another cause is poor dental hygiene. Visiting the dentist or paediatric dentist for children at least twice a year, alongside brushing and flossing, can help keep your mouth clean. If you have dentures, you will want to be vigilant about your cleaning routine as you would be about your teeth. Over time, plaque can build up on both teeth and dentures, another contributor to unpleasant breath.
Having A Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can be because of diseases common in the older population, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. It can also surface due to medications such as antihistamines, muscle relaxers, and painkillers.
Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands are not producing enough saliva. It poses a serious problem to oral health. Since saliva defends against acid erosion, it is responsible for restoring minerals to your teeth. There are ways to help prevent dry mouth from occurring. These include drinking water regularly to remain hydrated, as well as brushing and flossing regularly.
Developing Gum Disease
In the ageing population, gum disease is one of the most common dental problems. It can take years to develop. It makes older generations more susceptible to experiencing issues with gum disease than younger people are. One of the best ways to prevent gum disease is simply by practising good oral hygiene. Additionally, going to your dentist can help to catch developing gum disease in its early stages. It can prevent it from becoming an oral health issue, like gingivitis.
A good dentist, such as this dentist from Brisbane, will help you improve the quality of your teeth to try and prevent further damages. It would help if you didn’t overlook the importance of receiving professional healthcare.
Changes In The Colour Of Teeth
A natural effect of ageing is a slight darkening of the teeth. Although proper dental care can help you prevent this from occurring, experiencing some discolouration on the teeth might be inevitable. To help keep your teeth as white as possible, avoid using tobacco products or consuming coffee and tea – all of which can affect the colouring of your teeth. If the colour of your teeth bothers you and you want to improve your appearance, it might be worth speaking with your dentist about the cosmetic services available to you. Permanent dental veneers or a teeth whitening service can help you achieve the desired look you are after.
Inadequate Denture Care
A common misconception is that dentures are not as delicate as teeth. Dentures require the same amount of care and attention that teeth do. They need to be regularly brushed and cleaned to avoid discolouration or them becoming damaged. Similar to any other tooth, plaque can build up on your dentures. If untreated, it can irritate the gum tissue and cause gum disease and other dental problems.
To avoid this, remove your dentures after every meal. Ensure that you rinse them well, removing any lingering food particles. During each evening, brush your dentures before you place them in a cleaning solution to soak. Afterwards, brush your gums gently using a soft-bristled brush. Doing this will keep your gums clean and healthy.
The older you get, the more vital it is to keep these potential risks at the forefront of your mind. As you age, it can increase some of the risk factors for developing oral health issues. Despite this, it is still possible for you to enjoy having a healthy smile with care and support from your dentist. With a high proportion of adults between the ages of 45 – 64 already feeling uncomfortable about their dental appearance, being on top of your oral hygiene routine is key to altering the quality of your teeth. Keeping a thorough cleaning regime and regular visits to the dentist, you can maintain a shining smile as you get older and delay issues from occurring.