During the aging process, the condition of our mouth is even more important. Although the mouth changes as the body ages, losing your teeth does not have to be one of them. Teeth can usually be kept for a lifetime with proper care.
Drinking tap water is beneficial for your teeth regardless of your age; most municipal water is fluoridated and will help to prevent cavities. Fluoride can also be easily found in most toothpastes and many mouthwashes.
If you have Diabetes, gum disease can be more common than usual. Receiving regular cleanings at the dentist is important to help identify and stop tooth and gum diseases. 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 healing times for the mouth.
If you’ve lost your teeth, cleaning your dentures every day is required for a healthy mouth. Washing dentures removes plaque from them in the same manner as it does for natural teeth. Brushing the gums lightly using a soft toothbrush before inserting your dentures is good for promoting circulation and to remove plaque from surfaces in your mouth.
Maintaining a healthful diet can be a major contributing factor in keeping your teeth as you age. Minerals and vitamins from fruits and vegetables are vital as well as drinking lots 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 procedures as well as gum and mouth restoration can help combat these aspects of an older mouth.
To schedule an appointment or to get information about your tooth and gum health, call Dr. Jay Anderson at (701) 775-3989.
Dr Jay A Anderson DDS
3425 South Washington St.
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: (701) 775-3989
