fbpx

Taking Care of Your Teeth as You Age

MenuPhoneLocation
your-persistent-headache-could-be-caused-by-oral-health-problems
Your Persistent Headache Could be Caused by Oral Health Problems
August 6, 2020
caring-for-your-mouth-after-wisdom-teeth-removal
Caring For Your Mouth After Wisdom Teeth Removal
August 20, 2020

Taking Care of Your Teeth as You Age

taking-care-of-your-teeth-as-you-age

As we age we become more susceptible to health problems. Some of those health problems can be tooth-related. Age can increase the chances of tooth decay, gum disease, and even some cancers. If you want to keep your mouth as healthy as possible, here’s what you need to do as you age. 

How Our Mouths Age

We know that growing older affects many parts of our body, but many people don’t consider the effects that aging has on the mouth. Our teeth are strong, being able to bear the weight of over 200 pounds of pressure, but that doesn’t mean that our teeth are indestructible. According to Harvard Health, here’s what can happen to your teeth over the years:

  • A lifetime of crunching, gnawing, and grinding can wear away the outer layer of enamel and flatten the biting edges. 
  • The surfaces of the teeth are affected by exposure to acidic foods and drinks.
  • Our enamel weakens, which can cause more serious problems later on.
  • Cracks or breaks in the tooth’s surface can leave pulp tissue vulnerable to irritation and inflammation. 
  • Nerves at the tooth’s core lose sensitivity with age. 
  • Infection can cause the need for a root canal or losing the tooth entirely.

In addition, older adults are also at risk for cavities and tooth decay. Did you know that the rate of tooth decay in people over 65 now beats that of young children? To protect your teeth as you age, it’s important to see your dentist regularly. 

The Importance of Dental Visits

No matter how healthy you are, you still need a regular dental checkup. There are areas of your mouth that you can’t see on your own at home, and a dentist can look for problems in these hard-to-see areas. A visit to the dentist can help you keep your mouth healthy well into your golden years. 

What is a Routine Checkup? 

A routine dental visit consists of a cleaning and examination. Every now and then, you might need an additional procedure at this visit based on the status of your oral health at the time. Each routine checkup with Mountain Aire Dentistry includes a one-on-one visit with Dr. Bockrath, who will review your current and past medical history to check for your susceptibility to dental problems. 

Sharing Your Medical History 

Before any treatment is done, you will need to share your medical history with our team. All changes in your health need to be recorded, especially as you age, to help the dentist understand why certain things could be going on in your mouth. We need to know everything from the medications you take, health conditions you have (like diabetes or arthritis), pregnancy, and more. It’s also important to share any health concerns you have, anxieties, and even allergies at this time too. This helps prevent complications and makes sure you get the best care possible. 

Teeth Cleaning

One of the most important parts of a routine dental visit is the cleaning of your teeth, gums, and mouth. If you have early signs of gum disease, a deeper cleaning of the gums might be needed at this time too. You should receive a routine checkup every 6 months to make sure that you’re healthy. 

Oral Cancer Risk

At your checkup, we also provide an oral cancer screening to make sure you don’t have any lesions or other areas of concern. While this cancer is rare, it can progress quickly, which is why early detection is important. Oral cancer mainly affects older adults, with the average age of diagnosis being 62. 

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Once Dr. Bockrath and our team chat with you about your current and previous problems, clean, and examine your mouth, Dr. Bockrath will then provide you with a diagnosis. Together, you will work with Dr. Bockrath to find a treatment plan that best fits your current needs. Sometimes, you might need to come back sooner for additional appointments and procedures. However, sometimes there are many steps you can take to better your oral health from the comfort of your own home. It’s important that you do exactly what Dr. Bockrath recommends to ensure your next checkup goes smoothly. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Bockrath

Dr. Bockrath and our team at Mountain Aire Dentistry have many years of experience and are very efficient at the diagnosis of oral diseases and conditions. If you’re worried about your dental health as you age, talking with Dr. Bockrath about this now will be better for your health in the long run. Our office is conveniently located in Broomfield, Colorado and is happy to serve the areas of Westminster, Thornton, Lafayette, Erie, and Boulder. Call today to make an appointment: (303)-731-7755. 


291 E Flatiron Crossing Dr,
Broomfield, CO 80021

(303) 731-7755

 

When you visit our Broomfield dental office, your smile is our top priority. Our Dentists invite you to experience the difference a warm and caring team can provide for you and your family. Enjoy a unique and comfortable dental experience designed to bring a healthier and happier smile back into your life. We invite you to call or visit our Broomfield dental office and discover the exceptional difference we offer to those we serve.