Dental Advice for Senior Citizens
As you age, it is common to lose some of the mobility and dexterity that are necessary for normal oral hygiene activities like flossing or brushing. Existing medical conditions and medical treatments can also influence the quality of your oral health. Although you may not be familiar with the latest dental practices, don’t hesitate to look for a dentist in the Southern Pines area for help with dental problems like toothaches, bleeding gums, or improperly fitted dentures. There is no need to rely on home remedies when there are so many dental technologies available to make the treatment of most problems more comfortable and more efficient.
Since the quality of your oral health is such an important part of your overall health, it’s most important that you visit your dentist regularly and work harder to maintain the best possible dental health as you age. The possibility for tooth decay is higher for older adults, so it’s important for senior citizens to spend more time controlling plaque by brushing and flossing daily. Keeping the plaque buildup to a minimum also helps to fight periodontal disease, thereby reducing strain on your immune system and minimizing additional dental expenses.
Your dentist might advise you to use more fluoride as you age in order to strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is known for helping the enamel to absorb more calcium and phosphorus to repair weak or demineralized spots. Although the water in most towns and cities is fluoridated, a stronger and more concentrated fluoride application is sometimes beneficial. The dentist will perform a clinical examination and use dental x-rays to assess the strength or weakness of the teeth while also inspecting the edges and margins of dental fillings and crowns for soft spots.
For age appropriate dental care, contact a dentist in the Southern Pines area today.