Preventing Tooth Loss
Your teeth are more than just part of a beautiful smile. Healthy teeth help you speak clearly and allow you to eat a variety of foods, thereby helping you maintain a healthy diet. A large national study found that people older than 65 years who had good dental health tended to be healthier overall. So, it is important to take care of your teeth.
Tooth Loss
Research shows that more than 1 in 3 adults 65 years or older have lost 6 or more teeth. And about 1 in 10 in this age group have lost all their teeth. Leading up to the age of 65 years, however, adults seem to fair much better, with nearly 68% keeping all their teeth. This suggests that after the age of 65 years, there are some thing or things that are different about oral health, the care given to teeth, gums, or both.
How to Prevent Tooth Loss
The most common reasons for tooth loss may be controlled with good oral hygiene and regular visits tot he dentist. Often older adults lose teeth to tooth decay and gum disease. Although almost everyone has had tooth decay by the age of 65 years, nearly one-half the adults in this age bracket have untreated tooth decay or gum disease serious enough to cause tooth loss.
Sometimes tooth loss is not easily controlled. Some people with certain chronic diseases – such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes – seem to lose more teeth as they age than people who do not have those diseases. Although it is not clear whether one causes the other, you should let your dentist know if you have any chronic disease.
Certain medications, taken regularly, can cause chronic dry mouth. Without enough saliva to wash food particles out of your mouth when chewing and to bathe your teeth in fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, you are at greater risk of tooth decay. This is why it is important for you to keep your dentist up-to-date on any medications or supplements you may be taking.
The risk of experiencing tooth loss may increase as you age. Good oral hygiene at home and regular visits to your dentist may help reduce this risk. These measures will allow you yo enjoy your teeth throughout your life. They will give you more than just a good looking smile.
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