5 Things You Should Know About Your Teeth As You Age

While conventional wisdom may state that you need to take better care of your teeth as you age, here at your Kansas City family dentist, we believe that it’s equally important to take good care of your teeth through every stage of your life. Whatever your age, good oral hygiene is a critical component not only of keeping a healthy smile, but also of good overall health in general. What does change, however, are the specific needs of your teeth and gums as you get older. So here are a few tips from your Kansas City family dentist to help take care of your teeth and gums no matter what your age.

Of course, everybody knows that the recipe for a healthy smile throughout the course of your life is to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and see a dentist in Kansas City at least twice a year for cleanings and screenings. But what else should you know about how to care for your teeth as you get older?

Cavities still happen. Sure, we may associate cavities with youth thanks to the poor food choices that we often make when we’re young—including lots of candy and sugary drinks—not to mention less discipline when it comes to regular brushing and flossing. But the reality is that older adults are just as prone to tooth decay as young kids. Which makes it all the more important to stick to your healthy oral care regimen, and maybe invest in a Sonicare electric toothbrush that can help make caring for your teeth and gums easier!

Wear and tear on your teeth are gradual throughout the course of your life. Your teeth are pretty durable, but they also have to last your entire life, and all that chewing and grinding—especially if you are someone who grates or clenches your teeth a lot—takes its toll on the enamel, or durable outer layer of your teeth. This means that, no matter how well you care for your teeth, they will gradually wear down over time and become more prone to fracturing and other problems. Fortunately, your Kansas City family dentist can help!

Gum disease is more common in older people. According to data from the CDC, nearly 3/4 of people over the age of 65 have some form of gum disease. What can you do to help? Making sure to floss regularly is a great start!

Tooth loss is more common as you age. Older people are more likely to have a need for implants or dentures than younger adults, and this is because tooth loss is fairly common as you get older. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that the nerves in your teeth become smaller as you age, making them less sensitive to the pain associated with tooth decay or gum disease. Fortunately, you can help increase your odds of keeping your teeth as you get older by sticking to good oral hygiene habits and seeing a dentist in Kansas City regularly.

Dry mouth is a problem that comes with age. Lots of factors can cause or exacerbate dry mouth, from medications to smoking. One thing that’s certain is that dry mouth is a problem that tends to become more common as we get older, and it can create an ideal environment for bacteria that may lead to more serious oral problems. Fortunately, a glass of water by the nightstand can help, and your Kansas City family dentist can provide other solutions, as well.

If you’re ready to care for your teeth and gums at every stage of your life, then it’s time to call Blacker Family Dental in Kansas City, MO at (816) 763-8400 or click here to schedule an appointment!