Visit the Dentist Recently? Dental Health Remains Essential with Age

Your dental health is important, no matter if you are eight years old or eighty. However, once you reach age 65 in the United States, dental care is not as accessible. Routine dental care is not covered under Medicare. 

Some seniors have other problems, like lack of transportation, age-related memory loss, and physical disabilities that can lead to missed dental appointments and poor overall oral health. Some adults feel the need for a dental visit is less important as they age.

But the older you get, the more important preserving your dental health becomes. Medications and common chronic illnesses in older adults, including diabetes and disease, put them at a higher risk for dental problems. 

Matthew J. Messina, DDS, is the Clinic Director and Assistant Professor at Ohio State College of Dentistry. He says that while people have become more committed to good oral hygiene, a person's teeth age as they do.

As you age, so do your teeth. They can start to turn yellow as the enamel, the white, hard coat protecting them, thins, making the yellow core material called dentin inside the teeth more visible. The changes may not just be cosmetic. As the enamel wears off, teeth can also become more susceptible to tooth decay and sensitive to hot, cold or spicy food or drinks. 

Practicing good senior dental care and making regular appointments with a dentist can help preserve your teeth' health and appearance. There are many quality dentists throughout the United States and Canada. In Colorado, there are many excellent dentists in Denver who are able to provide you with a wide range of expert treatments and services. This level of qualified, seasoned dental care is not unique to Denver but is available throughout this state and beyond. In Pompano Beach, Florida, Clear Smiles Dental is a great option, and in Manitoba, Canada, this Bridgwater dentist is a professional expert who can provide comprehensive dental services for any dental problems.

What Happens at a Regular Dentist Visit?

A regular dentist visit consists of two parts: the checkup, or examination, and the cleaning, or oral prophylaxis. During the examination, your dentist will check for cavities using an X-ray to locate them in hard-to-see areas. 

If cavities are present, they'll set a follow-up appointment to fill them. Tooth decay is a common chronic disease for those 65 and older. 

The exam also includes a check for plaque and tartar. Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When left untreated, it can harden into tartar. Tartar, unlike plaque, cannot be removed through regular brushing or flossing. If either of these substances build up, it can lead to oral disease. 

Next, they look at your gums. The dentist uses a special tool to measure the depth of space between your teeth and gums. In healthy gums, the spaces are shallow. When the gums are affected by gum disease, they widen. 

Dentists Can Spot Health Problems

The checkup should also include a thorough examination of your tongue, throat, face, head, and neck. This is done to check for any signs of trouble, including swelling, redness, or possible signs of cancer.

Your dentist can catch systemic problems like a blood disorder. The American Cancer Society says the average age to get diagnosed with mouth, throat, and tongue cancer is 62.

Your dentist or their dental hygienist will also clean your teeth. They use a special tool to remove any tartar. This process is called scaling. After scaling your teeth, your dentist or hygienist might decide to polish them with a gritty paste. The process removes any surface stains. Finally, they'll use floss to make sure the areas between your teeth are clean. Moreover, dentists possess the keen ability to detect underlying health issues, using their expertise to uncover potential concerns while ensuring for a brighter smile.

What You Should Do Between Each Visit

Your dentist cannot maintain the health of your teeth alone. Between each dental visit, you should take the following steps to prevent the formation of plaque and tartar:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, using toothpaste that contains fluoride

• Floss daily

• Use a mouthwash to keep your breath fresh and control plaque

Dental Checkups Key to Good Health

Visiting your dentist remains an essential part of your overall health plan as you get older. In addition to reviewing your oral health, many dentists take a patient's blood pressure.

High blood pressure is "the silent killer." Generally, there are no symptoms until your heart and arteries are damaged. CDC research says 20 million Americans saw their dentists but not their medical doctors in the year of the study (2008). This made the dental appointment an important (and maybe the only) opportunity to check blood pressure and the health issues related to hypertension.

Regular dental visits keep your teeth and gums healthy and allow for the early detection and treatment of oral disease. Without adequate dental care, your teeth will start to weaken and decay, which leads to gum disease, loss of teeth, and other serious dental issues. 

Dental Implants

If your teeth weaken or require removal, you may need dental implants or dentures to replace them. Losing teeth can impair your ability to eat and speak and alter your facial features when the loss is extreme. 

No matter your age, practicing good dental hygiene and regularly visiting your dentist is the easiest way to mitigate, if not completely prevent, these issues. Take care of your dental health, and be sure older family members do the same thing.