There are many changes that our body undergoes as we age and in this article, we are looking at how it affects our health. You need to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your life but there are certain challenges that you will face particularly when it comes to age.
Some of the changes
That can occur in your oral cavity as you age are reduction in the production of saliva and changes in gum tissue. Your risk for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes can increase as well which can create a predisposition for seniors to a wide range of oral health issues. This makes taking care of your oral health all the more important. You can visit your dentist Yarraville routinely so that they can catch issues in their early stages so that you can avoid invasive treatments, pain and discomfort. A common health issue that many seniors deal with is dry mouth. This is because saliva production reduces as you age creating discomfort. This situation leads to a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay. This is because saliva has a big role in the neutralisation of acids and washing bacteria and food particles away from the mouth.
When there are changes in gum tissue
Such as them being more susceptible to inflammation and the recession of gums, you are at more risk for developing gum disease, especially if you don’t maintain regular dentist visits and the issue goes untreated. In addition to challenging your oral health, periodontal disease is connected to systemic conditions as well such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. Therefore, it is very important that you look into how this can be prevented and managed. Tooth decay is a common problem in seniors and this can be further exacerbated by medications, dry mouth and changes in dietary habits. Your teeth will also be exposed to higher wear and tear and this combined with reduced flow of saliva and compromised enamel can lead to tooth decay and dental caries. Tooth loss is a common phenomenon as we age and this can occur as a result of gum disease, tooth decay and other factors. When you have missing teeth, it affects your ability to chew and speak. This can affect your intake of nutrients as you will be limited in what you can eat.
Missing teeth
Can affect your facial aesthetics and the changes brought on by this can bring down your self-esteem. But tooth loss can be addressed with restorative treatments such as bridges, dental implants or dentures so that you can maintain a good quality of life. Seniors are also at a higher risk of developing oral conditions and diseases such as oral thrush, oral cancer and TMJ disorders. The incidence of oral cancer increases with age especially with risk factors like the excessive consumption of alcohol and use of tobacco. You need to have regular dental check-ups so that early detection is made possible. This will improve treatment outcomes.
