During the aging process, the condition of our oral health is even more important. Although the mouth undergoes some change as we age, losing your teeth does not have to be one of them. Teeth can generally be kept for a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Drinking tap water can be beneficial for the teeth no matter what your age; fluoridation is common and helps to slow down tooth decay. Fluoride can also be easily found in most toothpastes as well as mouthwashes.
If you have Diabetes, gum disease can be more common than usual. Receiving regular cleanings at the dentist is recommended to help identify and stop gum and tooth problems. Diabetes and oral health also connect in that treating gum disease can improve the management of blood sugar levels, but Diabetes also means a lower resistance to infection and increased oral healing times.
If you’ve lost your teeth, cleaning your dentures daily is a must for a healthy mouth. Brushing dentures removes plaque from them in the same manner as it does for your normal teeth. Brushing your gums lightly with a soft toothbrush before inserting your dentures is good for increased circulation and removes plaque from surfaces in your mouth.
Having a proper diet can be a major contributing factor in keeping your teeth as you age. Vitamins and minerals from vegetables and fruits are vital as well as drinking a good amount of water. Eating snacks throughout the day can reduce the effectiveness of saliva and lead to tooth decay.
Being older can mean that your gums may recede, and teeth can become yellowed or discolored (brown) with age. Whitening techniques as well as gum and mouth restoration can help combat those aspects of an older mouth.
To schedule a consultation or to get information about your tooth and gum health, call Davenport Smiles at (509) 838-0404.
Davenport Smiles
111 S Post St
Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 838-0404
