Your teeth change throughout your life. Not only can other health issues—such as diabetes—increase your oral health risks, but the effects of a lifetime of wear are likely to show. As a result, your dental hygiene routine and the care you receive from your family dentist also need adjustment. The guide below explains some of the challenges you might face and what to do about them.

Common Senior Dental Problems

Many seniors struggle with tooth loss. Likely, your family dentist will suggest replacing those missing with dental implants. If the problem is more extensive, implants can also be used to support a full set of dentures.

Those with natural teeth likely have thinner enamel than when they were young. This makes your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and more vulnerable to decay and, thus, gum disease. Staining is also likely, especially if you have maintained certain bad habits, like smoking, over your lifetime.

Dental Care Tips

Age can also make it more difficult to brush your teeth because of pain or mobility problems. However, this is the most important aspect of your dental care routine. To address this problem, consider switching to an electric toothbrush, which reduces the amount of scrubbing you need to do by hand. Similarly, if it's hard to floss, your family dentist can recommend an oral irrigator to clean between your teeth and around your gumline.

You should also make lifestyle changes, including refraining from the use of tobacco products and limiting your consumption of soda and alcohol. Rinse with water after every meal and periodically throughout the day to reduce dry mouth.

If you need a family dentist in Lincoln, NE, to help you with the health challenges of aging, choose Blome Family Dentistry. This Lancaster County dental team has decades of experience and strives to make their care accessible by accepting most major insurance plans. Call (402) 483-7000 to schedule an appointment or see more of their tooth care tips online.