Author: admin-drteeth

As you age, some changes happen over time to all parts of your body, including your teeth. Your oral health can become more difficult to monitor over time, because of this, dental exams become more of a priority. There are at least three reasons why you should take dental exams more seriously with age.

Reasons Dental Exams Are Important as You Age

The first reason is, as a person ages, the nerves in your teeth shrink. This causes the teeth to become less sensitive. A reduction in sensitivity to pain can make it harder for you to naturally detect the pain that a cavity or other dental problems may be causing. Because of this, it is more likely for a person increased in age to ignore a dental issue for longer; this can allow for tooth decay to develop longer and become more advanced and cause real problems for your oral health.

So how can dental exams help you? Routine dental exams can utilize tools such as dental x-rays and a professional dental team to reveal and treat tooth decay before it reaches an advanced stage that seriously threatens your oral health.

The second reason is, as you age, your teeth become slowly weaker. This causes them to be susceptible to diseases and dental problems that they might not have been previously; this allows for diseases to develop more quickly and cause even worse problems.

And lastly, detecting issues early is important because these issues become worse as you age. How can early detection of diseases help? Early detection is the only way to prevent problems such as gum loss and complete tooth loss, as well as heart problems caused by poor oral health. The best thing you can do to protect your teeth, your smile, and your health, is a regular oral exam. It’s important to find, and treat anything before the problem becomes advanced.

When it comes to picking out dental products for your at home dental routine, it can be quite confusing. There are often dozens of different kinds of toothbrushes with different shapes, styles, and bristles. We see different flavors of toothpaste with different functions (whitening, strengthening, and even sensitivity reducing) and even the same for mouthwash. So what should you know when purchasing dental products?

Selecting a Toothbrush

When it comes to selecting a toothbrush, there is one important thing to keep in mind. Unless your dentist tells you otherwise, you should always use a soft-bristled brush. For shape and size, it should be able to reach all the teeth in your mouth and be comfortable to use.

Electronic toothbrushes can be a great option for those who have difficulty brushing and can clean your teeth better, especially if you have crowded teeth with hard to reach crevices.

Selecting a Toothpaste

When it comes to selecting toothpaste, be sure to select a flavor you enjoy. The toothpaste you use should always contain fluoride unless your dentist has stated otherwise. Fluoride can help strengthen your enamel and protect teeth from decay. Depending upon your ultimate dental goals, there are various types of toothpaste for sensitivity and even teeth whitening.

Selecting a Mouthwash

When it comes to selecting mouthwash, be sure to purchase a therapeutic mouthwash which can help aid in preventing oral health issues. These often contain fluoride or other ingredients which can help prevent decay and even gum disease. Certain “cosmetic” mouthwash products are only meant to freshen breath and often contain sugars, making them useless for optimal oral health.

Selecting a Dental Floss

When it comes to selecting dental floss, it pretty much comes down to preference and comfortability. For those with bigger gaps, thicker floss is recommended. For those with little spacing between teeth, thinner, waxed floss is recommended. If you have problems reaching certain areas of your mouth, dental picks can be a great option. However, regardless of your preference, it is important to floss daily.

For many individuals, dental care becomes important in adulthood. As parents, it is important for us to encourage proper oral hygiene and professional dental care. Did you know that recent research has shown poor dental hygiene has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, diabetic complications, and even gastrointestinal issues? This is believed to be due to bacteria overgrowth in the mouth which can infiltrate other areas of the body.

Importance of Pediatric Dentistry

When it comes to parenting, educating your child about proper oral hygiene and encouraging good dental care can be highly important. Many parents think that the health of primary teeth doesn’t really matter, which is far from the case. Injuries and decay to primary teeth can actually have an effect on the permanent teeth they’ll have later in life. It is also important that they understand good dental care techniques that will prepare them for a lifetime of optimal oral health.

Regarding professional pediatric dentistry, it is important to schedule routine examinations and cleanings which can allow a professional to remove any debris, plaque or bacteria your children may miss. This will also allow us to notice any dental issues early before they progress into a more serious problem. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants can add an extra level of protection for children’s teeth.

Importance of Dentistry for Seniors

As we age, dental complications become more common. Often due to dry mouth, medications and other health issues. Unfortunately, dental issues such as decay or gum disease can impact other general health issues such as diabetes, making it harder to manage. It is important that no matter what age, a patient continues to receive professional dental treatments along with keeping up with their at home routine.

No matter your age, proper dental care, and routine professional dental treatments are essential for optimal oral health.