As we age we become more susceptible to health problems. Some of those health problems can be tooth-related. Age can increase the chances of tooth decay, gum disease, and even some cancers. If you want to keep your mouth as healthy as possible, here’s what you need to do as you age.
We know that growing older affects many parts of our body, but many people don’t consider the effects that aging has on the mouth. Our teeth are strong, being able to bear the weight of over 200 pounds of pressure, but that doesn’t mean that our teeth are indestructible. According to Harvard Health, here’s what can happen to your teeth over the years:
In addition, older adults are also at risk for cavities and tooth decay. Did you know that the rate of tooth decay in people over 65 now beats that of young children? To protect your teeth as you age, it’s important to see your dentist regularly.
No matter how healthy you are, you still need a regular dental checkup. There are areas of your mouth that you can’t see on your own at home, and a dentist can look for problems in these hard-to-see areas. A visit to the dentist can help you keep your mouth healthy well into your golden years.
A routine dental visit consists of a cleaning and examination. Every now and then, you might need an additional procedure at this visit based on the status of your oral health at the time. Each routine checkup with Mountain Aire Dentistry includes a one-on-one visit with Dr. Berry, who will review your current and past medical history to check for your susceptibility to dental problems.
Before any treatment is done, you will need to share your medical history with our team. All changes in your health need to be recorded, especially as you age, to help the dentist understand why certain things could be going on in your mouth. We need to know everything from the medications you take, health conditions you have (like diabetes or arthritis), pregnancy, and more. It’s also important to share any health concerns you have, anxieties, and even allergies at this time too. This helps prevent complications and makes sure you get the best care possible.
One of the most important parts of a routine dental visit is the cleaning of your teeth, gums, and mouth. If you have early signs of gum disease, a deeper cleaning of the gums might be needed at this time too. You should receive a routine checkup every 6 months to make sure that you’re healthy.
At your checkup, we also provide an oral cancer screening to make sure you don’t have any lesions or other areas of concern. While this cancer is rare, it can progress quickly, which is why early detection is important. Oral cancer mainly affects older adults, with the average age of diagnosis being 62.
Once Dr. Berry and our team chat with you about your current and previous problems, clean, and examine your mouth, Dr. Berry will then provide you with a diagnosis. Together, you will work with Dr. Berry to find a treatment plan that best fits your current needs. Sometimes, you might need to come back sooner for additional appointments and procedures. However, sometimes there are many steps you can take to better your oral health from the comfort of your own home. It’s important that you do exactly what Dr. Berry recommends to ensure your next checkup goes smoothly.
Dr. Berry and our team at Mountain Aire Dentistry have many years of experience and are very efficient at the diagnosis of oral diseases and conditions. If you’re worried about your dental health as you age, talking with Dr. Berry about this now will be better for your health in the long run. Our office is conveniently located in Broomfield, Colorado and is happy to serve the areas of Westminster, Thornton, Lafayette, Erie, and Boulder. Call today to make an appointment: (303)-731-7755.