Does Your Oral Health Change With Age?
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes. You may notice you need help to do certain activities you used to do on your own without a problem. In addition to your body changing, your mouth also changes as you age. Certain dental conditions can become more prevalent as you age:
Tooth Decay
Although decay can affect anyone at any age, it can become more prevalent as we get older due to wear and tear on teeth and other oral health problems, such as dry mouth.
Gum Disease
More than half of American adults are affected by gum disease. This condition occurs when a buildup of plaque and bacteria along the gumline causes an infection in the gums. An inadequate oral hygiene routine can cause it. Cleaning your teeth properly can be challenging to do as you get older.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth occurs when the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. It is very common as people age and is a side effect of various medications and medical conditions. One of the biggest problems with dry mouth is that it can lead to serious complications with oral health, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Tooth Loss
The longer dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, are left untreated, the greater your risk of experiencing tooth loss. Patients who experience tooth loss and do not immediately receive a tooth replacement will experience complications such as jaw deterioration and bite problems.
We are passionate about helping our patients improve their smiles, regardless of age. If you are interested in learning more about treatments that we offer to improve your oral health, such as the high-quality dentures we provide, we would love to hear from you. Be sure to contact our office, located in Jacksonville Beach, FL, to schedule your appointment. We hope to see you soon!