Everything changes with age, and your mouth is no exception. Your teeth have worked hard for many decades to help you eat, speak and smile, so it makes sense that they could benefit from a little extra care! But while you may face additional challenges with your oral health as you age, rest assured that a dentist in Bellingham can help. Keep reading to learn about 4 ways a dentist can maintain your smile as you get older.
1. Monitor and Improve Your Gum Health
The risk of developing gum disease increases with age. In fact, an estimated 2 out of every 3 adults over age 65 have this condition. Symptoms include bleeding (often after brushing or flossing), swollen or tender gums, chronic bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, and loose teeth.
And because gum disease progressively destroys the gums and underlying bone that keep the teeth in place, it’s actually the leading cause of tooth loss. Equally as concerning, many studies have shown that gum disease increases the risk of many serious conditions, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, certain cancers, and stroke.
But while the consequences of gum disease are serious, seeing a dentist for routine care is one of the best ways to either prevent it or keep it from progressing. They’ll closely monitor your gums at each visit and, if necessary, recommend special cleanings or other treatment to halt its progress.
2. Help You Prevent Problems Associated With Dry Mouth
One of the most common side effects of many prescription medications is dry mouth. On top of being uncomfortable, it also dramatically increases your risk of cavities. When normal levels of saliva are present, it washes away cavity-causing bacteria and acids and naturally keeps the teeth clean. When the mouth is dry, you lose this protection.
A dentist can give you a prescription-strength fluoride paste to strengthen your teeth and counteract the impact of dry mouth. With regular checkups, they’ll also find any cavities when they’re small and can be repaired with simple, inexpensive treatment.
3. Improve the Appearance of Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry
Stains and discoloration from coffee, tea, and red wine get worse over time. Many people also develop chips and cracks as they age from many years of chewing forces and/or clenching and grinding. In addition, mature patients are more likely to have metal fillings that show when they smile.
Cosmetic dentistry can help with all these issues and more. Whether it’s a whitening treatment, cosmetic bonding, tooth-colored fillings or porcelain veneers, there’s always a solution that will help you feel great about your smile.
4. Restore Your Smile After Tooth Loss
Unfortunately, tooth loss is also more likely as you get older. And since your oral health depends on having a full set of teeth, it’s important to talk with a dentist about the best replacement option for your needs. After a thorough evaluation, they’ll make the best recommendation for you such as a dental implant, bridge or denture.
Although getting older comes with a new set of challenges, you can still keep your oral health in great shape by seeing a dentist regularly. With their help, you’ll enjoy a healthy smile for many years to come!
About the Practice
Patients at Young Dental Advanced Dental Arts benefit from two dentists and an anesthesiologist who are passionate about improving people’s lives by enhancing their oral health. Dr. Young, Dr. Montileaux, and Dr. Pfeiffer collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including cosmetic procedures, to meet your family’s unique needs under one roof. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals, then provide customized services to address them. You can request an appointment on the website or call (360) 676-0642.