Advancing age puts many seniors at risk of the following:
1. Darken Teeth: caused by a lifetime of consuming stain causing foods and beverages.
2. Dry Mouth: is caused by reduced saliva flow.
3. Diminished Sense of Taste: contributors are diseases, medications and dentures.
4. Root Decay: caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids.
5. Gum Disease: caused by plaque, tobacco, poor fitting bridges, poor diets, dentures etc.
6. Tooth Loss: leading cause is gum disease.
7. Uneven Jawbone: this is caused by tooth loss.
There is no age limit for braces. The treatment may take longer for adults due to adult bones no longer growing.
By the time a person reaches 60 or 70 years of age, his or her teeth have already gone through years of wear and tear. For patients who may not have always kept up with their oral hygiene through out the years, straightening out those teeth and making it easier to keep them clean is a great way to improve their overall oral health.
Even if you do not have teeth or only have a few dental problems, it is wise to visit your dentist at least once a year for a comprehensive oral exam. At this visit your dentist can look for signs of oral cancer as well as any other oral health or medical problems in the mouth, head, or neck areas.
Some signs of possible oral cancer:
1. Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
2. A change in the way the teeth fit together.
3. Swelling of the jaw.
4. a lump or thickening in the cheek.
5. a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal.
Children Dental Care:
Good dental hygiene habits should begin before your child’s first tooth comes in. Wiping your baby’s gums with a soft damp cloth after feedings helps to prevent the buildup of bacteria. When teeth appear, start using a soft children’s toothbrush twice a day.
Once your child is at pre-school age, start using fluoride toothpaste. Don’t cover the brush with toothpaste; a pea-sized amount will probably be just right. Young children tend to swallow most of the toothpaste, this can cause permanent stains on their teeth.
