By the time you’re 63, you have heard the spiel a thousand times. “Brush and floss your teeth!” The messaging since you were six. With all the high-tech stuff coming out, you’d think scientists would create a revolutionary way to fight plaque so you didn’t have to floss or brush anymore. Alas, we’re still waiting.
The last thing they worked on was creating an electric toothbrush and sanitizer, but let’s hope they’re not done figuring out how to make dental care easier!
For now, we have to stick to the age old wisdom of brushing and flossing, particularly as you age. People harp on kids all the time for eating sugar and getting cavities, but the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that nearly 20% of seniors had tooth decay that has gone unnoticed. And 90% of people over the age of 65 have cavities.
Turns out cavities aren’t just a worry for children. Seniors need to continue going to the dentist. It’s a safeguard for their overall health. Sure, they’ve put in their good years brushing already, but there’s still so much good life to live, and we want them to live it with a big, healthy smile.
There are a few other oral health issues that come with aging that seniors should be aware of:
- Dry Mouth (particularly caused by medications)
- Gum Disease
- Tooth Loss
- Oral Cancer (particularly from smoking)
Those aren’t enjoyable things to read, but the great news is, dentistry is continually progressing and coming up with ways to help people fight off “oral aging.” From veneers and dentures to cleanings and preventative measures, we’re here to help you or your family with whatever dental issues pop up in your world.
If you have some questions in general, please give us a call at 614-459-5205. We’ve got a lot of suggestions on what to do about your particular dental situation.
If you’re ready to seriously address some issues with your teeth and gums, we’ll schedule you an appointment and get this party started! Dr. Moore does family dentistry work centrally located in Columbus, easily accessible from Dublin and Worthington. We look forward to hearing from you.
P.S. If you’re far below the age of 65 and are worried because you have some of the same issues listed above, don’t fret! Oral health knows no age. There’s no judgment here! If you’re reading this, that’s a great step already!