According to a 2012 report by the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pension, one in every four adults in the country will have no tooth remaining by the time they hit 65. Yet, tooth loss is not an integral part of anyone's aging process. Thus, with good care of your teeth and gums, you can keep your dental formula intact and manage to put on a smile without cause for embarrassment, even at an advanced age.
However, why is it important for seniors not to neglect their oral health? This is because advanced age exposes persons to more agents of gum disease and tooth decay. For instance, adults that never took fluoridated water while growing up are likely to have cavities.
In the same vein, a dry mouth condition that's common in seniors as a result of aging and certain diseases exposes them to tooth decay. It follows that, saliva in the mouth plays a critical role in washing away food particles after you've had a meal. As such, bacteria in the mouth act on the food particles to form acids, which destroy your tooth.
What's worse, research has shown that there is more to tooth decay and gum disease than just pain, embarrassment, discomfort and loss of teeth. If you don't have your dental condition checked in time, the risk for a serious or potentially fatal disease is high.
For instance, a Scottish study reported on BBC found a link between heart complications and heart disease. This may surprise you, but the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has treated dental health as a prime indicator of general physical health since 2010.
The good thing is that there are certain dental practices you can adopt at home to protect your teeth in addition to seeing a dentist anchorage, AK. For starters, brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day can prevent the buildup of plague that destroys enamel to cause cavities. In case your tooth already has a cavity, you should let a dentist fix it.
You can also prevent gum diseases such as gingivitis, which causes tender gums to bleed, by regular flossing and brushing. However, the National Institute on Aging recommends that you see a dentist in case you have a serious gum disease called periodontitis. In the same vein, an emergency dentist Anchorage offers will save the day for a persistent toothache that can't wait another day.
Also, a change of lifestyle may be necessary to keep healthy teeth at an advanced age. Do you love snacks? If yes, you might want to reduce their intake, especially those with high levels of sugar content. For instance, orange juices, fruit yoghurt and other drinks with high levels of acid or added sugar can cause tooth decay. Also, remember to brush your teeth after taking such drinks to protect them from corrosion.
You don't have to lose your teeth just because you're growing older. This is because you have the choice of adopting acceptable levels of dental hygiene from the comfort of your home, as well as paying your dentist regular visits to protect them. Being able to put on a confident smile is an added advantage!