ORAL HEALTH Smiling! Keep
Dental care is essential, regardless of age
There was a time when many people as- sociated growing older with wearing dentures, conjuring up the image of Grandma putting her teeth in a jar at night. Indeed, many older Americans continue
to wear false teeth or have dental implants — according to the American College of Prosthodontists more than 35 million Americans don’t have any natural teeth — but we should not assume that losing your teeth is a normal part of aging.
Preventing Dental Issues Good oral care can help prevent tooth loss, which is caused by tooth decay, gum disease, injury, cancer or tre- mendous wear and tear. In fact, caring for teeth and gums should always be a regular part of good, daily hygiene regardless of age. In addition to brushing after meals (at
least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste) and flossing — important daily activi- ties for people of all ages — older adults should pay close attention to any signs of trouble associated with oral health and be sure to report potential problems to a dentist during routine, twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. Quickly flagging troublesome issues — such as gum recession — can help prevent further deterioration. What’s more, problems with teeth and gums may signal problems elsewhere in the body. For example, dry mouth and gum disease often occur in people who have diabetes, but may not yet know it. Good blood glucose control, therefore, is also important in preventing oral health problems. Some of the more common issues older adults encounter with oral health and what you can do to prevent or treat them follow.
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