Each stage of life presents different challenges for oral health. The best way to ensure a great smile at every age is to recognize your dental priorities and needs.
May is Older Americans Month, a great opportunity to examine how our dental needs change over time. Whether you’re a retiree or years away from collecting social security, it’s important to know what to expect from your oral health.
When it comes to cosmetic improvements, studies show many people would rather spend money on their teeth rather than plastic surgery.
For our younger patients, even “millennials,” this is the perfect time to begin thinking about the future of your smile. Just as sun damage reveals itself years after it occurs, we often pay for our past lifestyle choices when it comes to oral health. Skipping flossing and neglecting hygiene appointments could lead to gum disease or bone loss later. Your dental habits today will directly affect your smile tomorrow!
Medications = Dry Mouth: Saliva is one of the primary defenses against tooth decay. Unfortunately, hundreds of medications cause dry mouth. In our 50s and 60s, we’re often prescribed meds to control high blood pressure or cholesterol. These are two of the many “likely suspects” that can cause dry mouth. Lack of saliva puts us at risk for a variety of oral problems, but there are ways to monitor and treat the problem. Please tell Future of Dentistry if you’re on a medication that causes dry mouth.
Feeling Sensitive? There are many causes of tooth pain and sensitivity, but sometimes it’s simply the result of time. As we age, we’re more likely to experience enamel deterioration and to develop tiny cracks that lead to fractures. Ask the Future of Dentistry team about the products available to help you with this problem. We even have a new item for you to try, Crest’s Sensi-Stop Strips, which are designed to provide immediate relief when applied to sensitive teeth.
The Tie That Binds: Studies show a connection between gum disease and many serious health problems associated with aging — including stroke, heart disease and diabetes. This is why Dr. Casazza and his team practice an approach we call “Healthy Body Dentistry.” People are like ecosystems; what happens in one part of the body affects the whole body. We treat your oral health as an essential part of your overall well-being.
Learn more in part 2 of this blog topic, which will be posted soon!
One Comment