Maintaining oral health is essential for eating and smiling. In fact, this thinking should be applied in all stages of life because it brings about various risks that must be minimized in order to have a healthy smile. Your teeth can last a lifetime and aging does not have to lead to loss of teeth. With today’s advanced technology in dentistry, you and your local Dentistry in Tucson should be able to save all your teeth through preventive measures, an aspect we should all adhere to throughout our lifetime.
Maintenance Of Oral Health In The Elderly
The loss of teeth is not a normal part of aging, but is due to poor oral behavior and, in many cases, can be avoided by prevention. If you want to maintain a beautiful and functional smile throughout life, you must follow three steps: maintaining good oral hygiene, stay away from certain habits and visit your dentist on a regular basis. By following these guidelines, you will avoid most diseases related to teeth and gums, thus preserving your teeth for a lifetime. This aspect will also allow you adequate chewing of most (if not all) foods, digestion, nutrient intake and an increase of your overall health.
Risks In The Elderly
The elderly still go through a series of oral changes that can directly affect their health despite following the tips available. Using dentures, taking medications and regular health disorders are usually responsible for these changes. The main change that occurs in the mouth is the reduction in saliva. This phenomenon may be accentuated further in typical elderly diseases like heart problems, diabetes, cancer, or use of medications for anxiety, depression or allergies. To prevent this from happening, a dentist will implement concrete measures in their daily works and nutritional habits which will enable the patient to preserve a functional and aesthetic smile.
Saliva has a fundamental value in the care of a person’s oral system. This fluid strengthens teeth due to calcium and fluorine, giving it the power to regulate different levels of acidity. This helps fight harmful bacteria that damages teeth and enamel. Your local Dentistry in Tucson can help you counteract this decrease with some practical tips, such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary or caffeinated beverages, smoking or drinking alcohol.
If you or a loved one is interested in elderly oral care, like Dental Implants in Tucson, contact your local Tucson dentist today.
