When you age, your body can change in multiple ways. This proves true for the look and feel of your smile as well. But that does not mean that you will be unable to maintain a beautiful, healthy smile that you can feel proud to show off.
Routine care both at home and at your dentist’s office will allow you to keep your teeth in good health despite potential risk factors that aging might introduce. A family dentist will offer targeted care for senior-aged dental patients for an even easier way to maintain your smile. Learn details about how your dental health can change as you grow older when you read on.
Medical Conditions Influence Dental Health
Aging can mean you develop certain conditions or changes in your body that ultimately play a role in your dental health. When you know more about these fluctuations or risk factors in your health, you can better protect your smile. Consider the following medical conditions related to age that may impact oral health.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Aging may affect the hormones you produce in your body, which control certain bodily functions like generating saliva in the mouth. You might produce less saliva as you age, leaving you with uncomfortable dry mouth that could threaten your dental health.
- Chronic illnesses: Heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions can affect bacterial spread in your mouth. Aging may make you more likely to develop these conditions. Then excess oral bacteria can heighten your risk for many dental problems.
You should note that certain dental concerns may also affect your overall wellness too. Oral infections, for instance, can increase your risk of a stroke or a heart attack. Work with your dentist and doctor to manage your oral health to prevent these serious conditions.
Weakened Dental Structure Heightens Risk of Oral Health Concerns
It is possible for your teeth to become weaker over time. So older dental patients might face a greater threat of oral health problems if their dental health deteriorates.
The teeth feature a hard outer shell called enamel that serves to shield the more vulnerable interior of the teeth from bacteria and other external threats. But enamel can erode gradually if you consume acidic foods, grind your teeth, or expose your smile to other wear and tear.
If enamel wears down, it cannot regrow. Then your teeth become susceptible to tooth decay and other issues. Though aging dental patients can see a greater risk of this problem, you can preserve your smile with proper oral healthcare.
Find Preventive Dental Care in Clinton, NC
To prevent enamel erosion and other dental concerns, you should take proper care of your smile. This will involve practicing good oral hygiene on your own as well as attending routine check-ups at your dentist’s office.
Brushing your teeth and flossing regularly will remove harmful plaque and other build-ups that naturally collect on your teeth. They contribute to enamel erosion and other dental damage. So you should get rid of these residues promptly through this consistent cleaning schedule.
However, your at-home oral hygiene tools will not remove all of the plaque and tartar from your smile. So you need to book professional dental cleanings to maximize preventive dental care. Learn more about how to keep your smile in prime condition as you age when you give your dentist a call.