Your dental needs may change as you grow older. Seniors must pay special attention to their teeth and gums to prevent potential conditions that might arise. From monitoring for gum disease to scheduling regular visits with the dentist, here’s what you need to know.

How Your Mouth Changes With Age

Seniors who take specific medications for conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol may be vulnerable to developing a common issue known as dry mouth. Without enough saliva, bacteria can accumulate and potentially cause cavities to form.

Left untreated, the decay can lead to significant pain and discomfort. Another concern is the development of oral and oropharyngeal cancer; the latter affects the middle of the throat. Although extremely rare, the average diagnosis age is 62, so it’s important to be mindful of symptoms like swelling, numbness, and bleeding.

More common is gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Statistics show that approximately two of every three adults over the age of 65 may suffer from this condition, which can cause symptoms like redness, discomfort when brushing, bleeding, and tenderness. More advanced cases left untreated may cause damage to the affected gums and bones.

How to Protect Oral Health

Regular brushing and flossing are vital to support the health of the teeth and gums. Doing that may prevent gum disease and cavities. You should also use an antiseptic mouthwash after you brush and floss.

If you take certain medications that may cause dry mouth, ask the dentist about possible prescriptions that may stimulate the glands to produce saliva. And if you smoke, now is the time to wean yourself away from this habit.

It’s also just as important to visit the dentist for regular cleanings and examinations. The provider will assess your oral health, check the condition of the teeth and gums, and identify any changes that may have occurred since the last visit. Differences in the condition of the gum tissue, swelling in the salivary glands or lymph nodes, and trauma to the inner cheeks could all suggest issues that require further investigation.

If you want a dentist who is committed to your oral health as you grow older, contact Brian Perelmuter, DMD, P.C., in Naugatuck, CT. Patients throughout the surrounding areas can trust in the dentist and his staff to provide a variety of services, including general exams, gum disease treatment, tooth whitening, extraction, and dentures. Visit them online to find out more about their services or call (203) 729-3323 to schedule an appointment.