It seems growing old has many implications on our health. Top of the list: teeth loss and weakened bones. Indeed, as we age, oral health issues plague us. The problem is your oral health affects your whole body, albeit bit by bit. This means a decline in your oral health could precipitate a decline in your overall health.
Our teeth are so strong it can bear a healthy amount of pressure. But that doesn’t mean it’s unbreakable. If it’s not taken care of, our precious molars go south. Decades of grinding, gnawing, and crunching will eventually wear the teeth down.
Fortunately, most people over the age of 65 still retain their healthy teeth. And yet, the elderly are still susceptible to a long list of oral issues, from mouth infections to oral cancer. Truth be told, these kinds of diseases are not a laughing matter. The good news is treatments do exist. Read on to find out more about the many risks of what aging can do to your healthy smile. Most importantly, learn what you can do to keep them bursting with confidence.
Teeth Discoloration
What we eat affects our oral health. And over the years, the dentin (bone-like tissue) which lies below the enamel changes because of what we consume. Adding to that, when the outer enamel diminishes it allows the dentin to show. And this is why some people have yellow or dark teeth.
For whitening, you can try over-the-counter products. Whitening strips and toothpaste can play a huge role to minimize surface stains. Additionally, you can drop a visit to your dentist and get your teeth blasted with hydrogen peroxide.
Gum Diseases
Gum disease is a common oral problem among the elderly. As such, seniors are more prone to this than younger people. In fact, two out of three people over 65 have gum diseases.
When things get serious such as periodontitis, getting emergency dental care is wise. The oral complication may have a more sinister underlying cause, such as diabetes, aspiration pneumonia, and cardiovascular diseases. Timely expert care can contain and arrest the issue to prevent further complications.
Unfortunately, most of the time the elderly do not know they have severe or serious gum problems until the disease worsens. Consequently, bleeding gums and tooth loss follows. Checking with dental health professionals is the only way.
Oral Cancer
The majority of people diagnosed with mouth-related cancer are mostly old people. Why? This is usually caused by excessive tobacco use. The lip is where oral cancer develops. As stats would have it, men are more susceptible to this illness compared to women.
More often than not, symptoms of oral cancer are easily missed. That’s why you should make a habit of getting a regular check-up from your oral specialist. This is especially true when you notice red or white patches on your tongue, lip, and on your mouth.
Those striking patches may be harmless. And that’s exactly why getting a dental professional to weigh in is thinking straight. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
