As you get older, you expect your body to undergo certain changes. These changes also affect your mouth. Knowing what could happen will enable you to take steps to accommodate these changes and maintain good oral health more easily.
An added benefit is that caring for your mouth helps to protect your general health, so hopefully, you can enjoy your retirement to the full.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is a common complaint amongst older adults and is a condition called xerostomia. Often, it is a side-effect of medications that your GP may have prescribed for high cholesterol, asthma, allergies, high blood pressure, or Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. This is why when you visit our dental office, we always ask if you are taking any medications so we can assess how they may impact your oral health.
A lack of saliva can increase the risk of cavities and feel unpleasant. There are various ways you can counteract the impact of dry mouth.
- Ask your GP if there are different medications you could try that may reduce this side effect. You should always consult them before adjusting or discontinuing any prescription medication.
- Drink more water and try sucking on sugar-free candies or using sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow.
- Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes or oral moisturizers.
- Get a humidifier, and this can be especially useful for your bedroom.
We can also provide more useful advice and tips on managing dry mouth when you visit our dental practice.
Gum Disease
Gum or periodontal disease in Newcastle is a bacterial infection. It is caused by the bacteria in dental plaque, which irritates and infects your gums, so they begin to bleed and pull away from your teeth.
Unfortunately, the early signs of gum disease are easily ignored, but if left untreated, it can result in tooth loss or even impact general health.
The good news is that by visiting West Bowmanville Family Dental regularly, we can monitor your gum health. The early stages of gum disease are easy to treat. Regular hygiene appointments help remove plaque and tartar buildup, helping you maintain healthy gums more easily.
Oral Cancer
You may have noticed our dentists in Clarington checking the inside of your mouth and underneath your tongue. Oral cancer screenings are quick and painless as dentists are trained to examine the soft tissues in your mouth visually.
When you have an oral cancer screening in Courtice, we are looking for any colour changes or changes to the texture of your oral tissues, such as lumps, bumps or sore spots. The early stages of oral cancer can be entirely painless, but prompt diagnosis can mean a far better prognosis.
Smile Makeovers in Later Life
Not so much a concern as a desire, so if your retirement plans involve a smile makeover, we are here to help. We can provide a tempting selection of cosmetic dentistry treatments to rejuvenate your smile.
Digital smile design allows us to create virtual images showing how your teeth could look after a particular procedure. It is a useful and exciting way to get involved with planning your new smile with our dentists and dental technicians so you get the results you want.
Oral Health Advice Tailored for Your Age
Everyone visiting our dental practice receives a custom preventive dental care plan, and we ensure it is age-appropriate and considers your overall health. We can assess your risk of cavities and gum disease and recommend a preventive plan to minimize these risks.
For example, hygiene appointments are a simple and cost-effective way to maintain good dental health. We might recommend more frequent professional dental cleanings for anyone with higher risk levels or general health issues that could impact their dental health.
