Going to the dentist is important at any age. However, as you get older, you may face unique issues that can lead to tooth loss. If you haven't been to the dentist in a while, check out these reasons seniors should visit the dentist regularly.
Reduce the Risk of Decay
Everyone is at risk of tooth decay, especially if they don't have good at-home oral care. However, seniors have been exposed longer to many risk factors, including:
As a result, seniors may have weaker enamel and a higher risk of decay. General cleanings remove problematic tartar to reduce the risk of decay, but the dentist can also provide fluoride treatments to strengthen existing enamel.
Prevent and Fight Gum Disease
Many seniors also struggle with gum disease because of the same factors that cause decay. At first, gum disease may present with little to no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, it can lead to severe symptoms, such as:
Catching and treating gum disease early is crucial because the early symptoms tend to reverse on their own after treating the infection. More advanced symptoms require advanced treatments, such as surgery.
Monitor for Oral Cancer
Seniors may also have a higher risk of oral cancer, especially if they partake in activities that increase the risk of oral cancer like smoking or heavy drinking. Oral cancer often starts as a small wound or blemish on the inside of your mouth, making it easy to miss or ignore.
While monitoring your oral health, the dentist naturally looks for signs of oral cancer. If they catch it early, you have a much higher success rate for treatment.
Provide Cosmetic Services
Of course, a long life of using your teeth can cause tooth loss, discoloration, chips, etc. Luckily, cosmetic dental procedures can help give you back a more youthful smile. Common cosmetic procedures include:
Some family dentists offer some cosmetic services, such as teeth whitening, but you may need to find a dentist who specifically offers cosmetic dental services.
If you're getting older, don't forget to monitor your oral health. Many seniors struggle with gum disease and tooth loss, but a dentist can help. If you would like to know more, contact a family dentist.
Share19 January 2023
Do you remember the last time you looked at your smile and really loved what you saw? A few years ago I started spending more time analyzing my appearance, and I noticed that my teeth were seriously lacking. I knew that I had to do something to improve the situation, so I began focusing on loving my smile by getting some work done. I started talking with a dentist about how he could help, and it was really incredible to see the simple difference that he was able to make. Within a few years, my smile looked and felt completely different, and I was really pleased with the results. Check out this blog for great information on making your smile more beautiful.
