How Aging Affects your Dental Care
Have you experienced more dental problems as you age? Unfortunately, this is a common side effect of the aging process. See what you can do to keep your smile aging gracefully.
The Trouble of Tooth Loss
While many older adults retain all of their natural teeth, one of the greatest threats to aging teeth is tooth loss. This is why many older adults have problems eating and chewing, which means they’re not getting the nutrients they need. Also, when you lose your teeth, the jawbones that once secured those aging teeth start to waste away. One popular remedy is dentures, which can preserve your dental structure while enhancing your appearance and confidence.
The Dilemma of Diminished Taste
As you age, you may notice that foods lose their taste. But the truth is that you’re actually losing yours. See, age tends to make the taste buds less sensitive, which makes foods seem to lose their flavor. Many people compensate by adding lots of spicy seasonings or very hot sauces, but this only presents more dental care issues by irritating your gums. Surprisingly, many disorders can directly affect your sense of taste, such as sinus infections, gum disease, mouth cancer, and kidney disease. And some medications can also dull your taste buds. If you face this issue, talk to your family dentist about how to handle the problem, or ask your doctor if switching medications could help.
The Dread of Dry Mouth
Just as certain medications may dull your sense of taste, they can also cause dry mouth. When there is a lack of saliva in your mouth, your gums can thin and begin to recede, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Ask your family dentist in Peoria for ways to deal with dry mouth and talk to your doctor about possibly changing your medications.
The Grief of Gum Disease
As you get older, tooth enamel starts to diminish from wear-and-tear, which can make aging teeth more susceptible to the decay that leads to gum disease. This serious dental care condition is more likely to occur in individuals who have poor oral hygiene or certain medical disorders, as well as in those who smoke. Since gum disease can lead to severe infections and tooth loss, be sure to follow the advice of your family dentist about treatment and healthy hygiene.
To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Peoria, call Maple Shade Dental today or make an appointment.
Maple Shade Dental offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Peoria. With 3 affiliated practices throughout Peoria, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Maple Shade Dental, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Maple Shade Dental.
