With the advances that have been made in the world of dentistry, more older Americans than ever before are retaining their teeth. The family dentists at Oahu Dental Care in Hawaii help people of all ages receive the proper dental care and oral health education. This includes helping seniors treat common problems associated with their age group so they can go as long as possible without needing dentures.

According to the family dental practice, here are a few of the most common problems known to affect the oral health of those over sixty:

• Tooth Decay: Cavities are a nuisance that will continue to plague you into your senior years if you do not seek the necessary care from your dentist, who will pay extra attention to the surfaces of your teeth and old fillings or teeth roots.

• Dry Mouth: There are many reasons you tend to produce less saliva as you age; however, without it, you are more vulnerable to tooth decay. This is because saliva contains calcium and phosphate, which protect your teeth from demineralization. The good news is there are several fixes for dry mouth, including drinking more water, chewing sugar-free gum, or asking your dentist about an over-the-counter saliva substitute.

• Gum Disease: Gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, presents itself with swollen, red gums that tend to bleed easily. If you have any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to avoid it progressing to periodontitis, which creates an opportunity for your teeth to become easily infected. Left untreated, gum disease can result in bone loss in the jaw and eventually, the loss of your teeth.

• Tooth Crowding: As you age, your teeth tend to move. This can make them more difficult to clean, which could lead to tooth decay or tooth erosion. Combined with the increased rate at which seniors get periodontal disease, overcrowding could cause you to lose your teeth faster. An orthodontist will be able to correct your teeth with a retainer or even braces.

If you are over the age of sixty and are looking for a dentist who can provide you with the specialized treatment you need to stay healthy, look no further than Oahu Dental Care. Schedule an appointment with this dental office today by calling (808) 456-5005. You can also visit them online to learn more about their services.