As we get older, 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 given proper care.
Drinking tap water is beneficial for your teeth regardless of your age; most municipal water is fluoridated and helps to slow down tooth decay. Fluoride can also be easily found in most toothpastes as well as dental rinses.
If you have Diabetes, tooth decay can be more common than usual. Receiving regular cleanings at the dentist is important 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 oral healing times.
If you’ve lost your teeth, cleaning your dentures every day is a must for a healthy mouth. Brushing dentures removes plaque from them in the same manner as it does for your normal teeth. Brushing the gums lightly with a soft toothbrush prior to inserting your dentures is good for promoting circulation and to remove plaque from surfaces in your mouth.
Proper diet can be a definite contributing factor to keeping your teeth as you age. Vitamins and minerals from vegetables and fruits are important as well as drinking lots of water. Snacking throughout the day can reduce the effectiveness of your saliva and lead to tooth decay.
Being older can mean that your gums may recede, or teeth can become yellowed or discolored (brown) with age. Whitening procedures as well as gum and mouth restoration can help rejuvenate these aspects of an older mouth.
To schedule a consultation or to get more info about your tooth and gum health, call Dr. Glenda Owen, DDS at (713) 622-2248.
Owen Glenda G DDS
4600 Post Oak Place Dr #240,
Houston, TX 77027-9726
Phone: (713) 622-2248
