Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums Through the Retirement Years
Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums Through the Retirement Years
As you enter your retirement years, it is important to take a proactive approach to protecting your oral health. Like other types of ailments, we are more susceptible to certain conditions as we age. Your teeth and gums are an important and essential part of your daily life. Damaged teeth and gums will affect oral function and may lead to tooth loss and periodontal disease. Additionally, the health of your mouth is connected to the health of body. Some health conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis can coincide with dental health issues like gum disease and bone atrophy. Fortunately, our team of dentists provides comprehensive healthcare treatment for patients of all ages.
Place a High Priority on Oral Hygiene
The first step to maintaining healthy teeth and gums is placing a high priority on daily flossing and brushing. Patients should brush their teeth at least twice a day for about two to three minutes each time. Flossing is best done just before bed. Patients with bridges or partial dentures may want to consider water irrigators to thoroughly clean underneath prosthetics. It is important to reduce oral bacteria in the mouth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup; both of these substances contribute to periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Commit to Regular Cleanings and Checkups
Receiving regular checkups and cleanings is just as important in your retirement years as it is at any other time in your life. By visiting us regularly, we can detect and treat potential problems as early as possible. Early detection and treatment can save you time and money because early detection usually means that treatment is more conservative. Treating conditions like decay or gum disease early also helps prevent irreversible damage to oral structures. During dental checkups, our team will evaluate the health of more than just teeth, we also check on the health of gums and bone mass and evaluate soft tissue for signs of oral cancer. Cleanings are important, too. Our hygienists remove substances that cannot be cleaned away with brushing and flossing alone.
To schedule a cleaning or checkup, call our skilled and friendly team at Inspire Dental Group today.