Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Aging and Dental Health

As you become older, taking care of your teeth becomes more important. One common myth that people believe is that it is inevitable with old age to lose your teeth. This in fact is FALSE! Teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but only if they are cared for properly. As you age, your mouth changes.

You will find that the nerves in your teeth become smaller, and as a result your teeth seem to be less sensitive to cavities and/or other problems that you may be having. We encourage you to get regular exams, because if you don't this in turn can lead to worse problems.

A healthy mouth can make the biggest difference. If you want to stay healthy, feel good, and continue to look great all throughout life, making sure you have good dental health is the first step.

In order to maintain and improve your oral health here are some tips:

1. Brush with a soft bristle toothbrush twice daily. Another benefit is an electronic toothbrush.

2. Floss once a day at least to clean between your teeth.

3. For people who wear full dentures or partials make sure you remember to clean them on a daily basis. It is important to remember to take your dentures out at least four hours every day, and at night to remove them.

4. Since most tap water contains fluoride it is good for you to frequently drink it.

5. Quit smoking. Smoking can increase problems with gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

6. Regularly visit your dentist.

To help your teeth last a lifetime you can adopt healthy oral habits at home, make smart choices about diet and lifestyle, and seek regular dental care.

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