As you age, it can become more difficult to care for your body. However, did you know that it can also be more difficult to care for your oral health as you age? Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do—and should know—to better care for your teeth as you age.
If you’re older, you’ll be more vulnerable to dry mouth than you were when you were younger. You see, many people take more medications as they age. Certain medications can leave you more vulnerable to dry mouth. If you have this issue, your mouth may not be able to produce enough saliva, leaving you more vulnerable to bad bacteria, tooth decay, and bad breath.
There is also a chance your teeth will become weaker as you get older. This means your teeth will be more likely to crack or chip. Aside from being embarrassing, did you know that a cracked or a chipped tooth can make your mouth more difficult to clean? If this is the case, your smile will also be more susceptible to gum disease or tooth decay. Similarly, individuals with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have more serious dental issues, such as gum disease or chronic bacterial infections.
We recommend scheduling regular appointments with our dentist, Dr. Tyjuan Williams, if you’re interested in avoiding these issues. Practicing good oral hygiene is also extremely important. To learn more about the care you can receive from our team, please don’t hesitate to give 1 Smile Away a call at 706-868-4200. We look forward to hearing from you!