Aging is inevitable, and for many of us we learn to cope with that fact. However, regardless whether or not we accept our age, we cannot forget that as we mature our body’s are changing; even our mouths. Just as important as you heart, your teeth can lead to complications if left unchecked. So, join us as we discuss the issues and symptoms that can arise.
Worn down enamel
Chewing, grinding, biting, and tearing forces can all affect your enamel to a certain degree; some more than others. However, their effect is the same, even as minimal as it sounds. Wearing down the enamel on your teeth can lead to unnecessary damage that will take a toll on your oral health.
Even small habits like chewing your finger nails can lead to lasting damage. Enamel loss is basically permanent and cannot be naturally regenerated after it’s lost. So avoid things that increase your risk for enamel wear. Chewing things hard substances, clenching your jaw, or playing high risk sports, should all have the proper precautions. If you clench your jaw or play high risk sports, wear a mouth guard. You can easily ask the doctors about what options you have.
What you eat can also affect your enamel. Highly acidic foods and drinks, like soda and even oranges, can lay siege upon your pearly whites. Substitute your sodas with water. Wait 30 minutes after eating these caustic foods soften enamel after the first 30 minutes. This way you can avoid extra enamel damage and help prevent the low pH of acids from eating away at your enamel.
Dry mouth
Starting to feel like your mouth is drying out? This can either be caused by certain medications you could be taking or it could even be happening naturally. You mouth’s saliva is a essential first step for your digestion; it helps flush out leftover food and bacteria. If your mouth’s washing ability is hindered, your susceptibility of getting a bacterial infection or issue can increase drastically. Your saliva also acts as a natural lubricant for your mouth, keeping your gums and tongue soft and silky. Without this function you run the risk of allowing your mouth to get too dry. Afterwards, your mouth can get swollen, irritated, and eventually infected.
Are you having dry mouth? If your mouth is dry naturally, you can just drink water regularly throughout the day. However, when you take a swig, just make sure to swish around the water to make sure you are fully lubricating your mouth. If medications are causing your dry mouth, try talking to your healthcare provider about the problem.
Declined gum health
Your gums are the anchor for you teeth and provide the basis for good oral health. Without proper care, your gums can begin to recede and allow bacteria to settle into your mouth. This can lead to weakened and diseased gums. Poor gum health leads to gingivitis, gum disease, and other issues that can put your moral and overall health at higher risk!
Absolutely avoid smoking! Not only does it lead to lung cancer. Smoking causes insurmountable amounts of damage to your gums. Brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste, many popular brands are inoculated with fluoride, twice a day. If you don’t brush your teeth, plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup can grow to unmanageable levels. Which, in turn, lead to infections, tooth decay, and gum disease. All of which require a dental professional to deal with.
Therefore, if something in your mouth doesn’t feel normal, give us a call and let us make an appointment to see if something needs intervention.
Oral cancer
All cancers have increased risk as you age. According to the Canadian Cancer Society:
It is estimated that in 2016:
- 4,600 Canadians will be diagnosed with oral cancer.
- 1,250 Canadians will die from oral cancer.
- 3,200 men will be diagnosed with oral cancer and 840 will die from it.
- 1,450 women will be diagnosed with oral cancer and 390 will die from it.
Read more: http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/oral/statistics/?region=on#ixzz4ixelxOCF
Major risk factors for oral cancer includes chewing tobacco and smoking. Concurrently, we at Dental Laser Esthetics implore everyone to avoid these activities.
Still have questions?
Wondering how to minimize what getting older does to your teeth? Remember to keep up to date with your appointments, especially since the best way to avoid many of these problems is to talk to a professional. Ideally you should increase the frequency of your visits after the age of 50. Additionally, regular oral cancer screenings and self checks are highly recommended. Check for lumps, bumps, lesions, swallowing issues, or any other problems, and if anything arises remember to mention it to you dentist as soon as possible. If not, call us and book a check up. It is always better to be safe than sorry.