How Age Affects Your Teeth

On July 27th, 2012, posted in: Blog by 0 Comment

During the aging process, the condition of our oral health is even more important. Although the mouth undergoes some change as we age, losing your teeth does not have to be one of them. Teeth can generally be kept for a lifetime with proper maintenance.

Drinking tap water can be beneficial for the teeth regardless of your age; fluoridation is common and will help to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can also be easily found in most toothpastes and many dental rinses.

If you have Diabetes, tooth decay can be more common than usual. Receiving regular cleanings at the dentist is recommended to help identify and stop gum and tooth problems. Diabetes and oral health also connect in that treating gum disease can improve the management of blood sugar levels, but Diabetes also means a lower resistance to infection and increased healing times for the mouth.

If you’ve lost your teeth, cleaning your dentures daily is a must for a healthy mouth. Brushing dentures removes plaque from them in the same way as it does for your normal teeth. Brushing the gums gently using a soft toothbrush prior to inserting your dentures is good for promoting circulation and removes plaque from surfaces in your mouth.

Having a proper diet can be a definite contributing factor to keeping your teeth as you age. Minerals and vitamins from fruits and vegetables are vital as well as drinking plenty of water. Eating snacks throughout the day can reduce the effectiveness of saliva and lead to tooth decay.

Getting older can mean that your gums might recede, or teeth can become yellowed or discolored (brown) with age. Whitening procedures as well as restoration of oral tissues can help combat those aspects of an older mouth.

To schedule an appointment or to get more info about your tooth and gum health, call Dr. Angela Mulrooney at (403) 272-0616.

Dr. Angela E. Mulrooney
700 – 2710 17 Avenue S.E.,
Calgary, AB T2A 0P6
Phone: (403) 272-0616

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