How Aging Affects Your Oral Health in 2023: Tips from Ohashi Dental

As we age, our dental health becomes increasingly important. The Connection Between Aging and Oral Health is well-established, and taking care of your teeth and gums is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. At Ohashi Dental, we offer a range of dental treatments to help seniors maintain healthy teeth and gums, including dental implants.

Changes in Oral Health as We Age

The human body goes through a number of changes as we get older, some of which can have an effect on our oral health. These changes include decreased salivary flow and an increased risk of gum disease. Dry mouth, which can be caused by a decrease in salivary flow, is associated with an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, as we get older, the soft tissue in our mouth can lose some of its elasticity, making it more vulnerable to damage from irritants and bacteria. This can make the risk of gum disease more likely, which is a problem that is fairly common among people of advanced age.

The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene Practices for Older Adults

Keeping up with good oral hygiene practices as we get older, such as brushing and flossing our teeth on a consistent basis, is especially important if we want to avoid tooth decay and other dental problems. It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to help remove food particles and plaque from your teeth. If food particles and plaque are not removed from the teeth, this can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Because tobacco use and a diet high in sugary and acidic foods and beverages can both contribute to tooth decay, it is critical that you abstain from smoking and consume as little of these things as possible.

The Impact of Health Conditions on Oral Health in Older Adults

When it comes to the oral health of older adults, certain health conditions, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, can also have a significant impact on the condition of their teeth. People who have diabetes, for instance, have an increased risk of developing gum disease and other oral health problems. On the other hand, people who have osteoporosis may experience bone loss in the jaw, which can lead to the loss of teeth. If you have a medical condition that causes problems with your oral health, it is imperative that you maintain a close working relationship with both your primary care provider and your dentist in order to effectively manage your condition and keep your oral health in good shape.

The Importance of Routine Dental Checkups and Cleanings

It is essential to have routine dental checkups and cleanings in order to identify any potential oral health issues and seek treatment for them before they become more severe. Your dentist will perform a checkup on you at regular intervals and look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems in your teeth and gums. In order to get a better look at your teeth and jaw, they may also suggest getting X-rays done. In the event that any problems are identified, your dentist may suggest additional treatment in the form of fillings, crowns, or treatment for gum disease in order to prevent the problem from becoming even more severe.

Dental Implants: An Option for Improving Oral Health in Older Adults

Dental implants are a treatment option that can be useful for helping older adults who have lost teeth to regain their smile and improve their oral health as a whole who have lost teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is implanted into the jawbone, where it will eventually fuse with the bone to create a strong base for a replacement tooth. According to Dr. Matthew S. Wittrig of Dr. Matthew S. Wittrig, DDS, "dental implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants have the potential to confer a number of advantages, including enhancements to one's capacity for speech and chewing, as well as the prevention of bone loss in the jaw."

Choosing the Right Treatment Option for Your Oral Health Needs

However, dental implants may not be appropriate for everyone; therefore, it is essential that you discuss your treatment options with a qualified dental professional in order to identify the treatment approach that is most suited to your specific requirements. In order to determine whether or not dental implants are the best option for you, your dentist will examine the condition of both your mouth and your body as a whole. They might also talk about alternative treatments, such as bridges or dentures, that might be more suitable.

Maintaining Good Oral Health as You Age

Adults in their later years have the opportunity to enjoy a healthier and happier smile for many more years to come if they take preventative measures to maintain good oral health and address any problems as they arise. There are a lot of different things you can do to protect your oral health as you get older, such as developing and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, treating any underlying health conditions, or investigating your options for tooth replacement. Remember to brush and floss regularly so that you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles!