Oral Health Conditions To Watch for As You Age

Aging is a natural part of life, but you may need to pay extra attention to your health as you get older. This includes your oral health. In addition to making regular appointments to see your dentist in Morrisville, there are some conditions to look out for that become more common as you age.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

If you develop this condition, you’ll know. While a dry mouth can be a passing symptom of dehydration or a reaction to acute stress, with xerostomia, your mouth is frequently dry with no discernible reason. It can be a side effect of taking multiple medications, but sometimes there is no known cause. The good news is there are things you can do to relieve symptoms:

• Chew gum or suck lozenges (sugar free).
• Drink plenty of water.
• Use special mouth rinses.
• Use artificial saliva.

Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

If you notice your gums are red and swollen or they bleed when you brush your teeth, make an appointment with your dentist in Morrisville to get checked for periodontitis, or its precursor, gingivitis. The inflammation you’re experiencing is your body’s natural defense against periodontal bacteria, but it can cause serious problems in the long-term, including tooth loss. Good oral hygiene can help prevent periodontitis from developing, but if you have any of the following risk factors, be extra vigilant:

• Diabetes
• Smoking
• High-stress life
• Taking antihypertensive or vasodilating medications

Cavities (Root and coronal Caries)

You can get a cavity at any age, but when you get older, some conditions can put you at higher risk. In fact, people over 60 are twice as likely to get root caries as 30-year-olds because of the increased incidence of gingivitis as they age. Here are some things you can do to prevent root and coronal caries from occurring:

• Brush twice a day and floss.
• Drink tap water (it contains fluoride).
• See your dentist in Morrisville regularly for check-ups.
• Treat your dry mouth.

Good oral health is often tied to good overall health. Take extra care to keep your teeth and gums healthy as you age, and the benefits could reach well beyond your smile.

Oral Health Conditions To Watch for As You Age

Pearly Whites Dental Care is a dental practice that is passionate, gentle and caring. We offer personalized dental care for the whole family! We are serving the Yardley, Morrisville, Langhorne, Newtown, Trenton, and the surrounding communities. If you need to get in contact with our dental practice give us a call (215) 295-4851 or or to learn more about our dentist visit our About Us page.