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Whether caring for natural teeth or dentures, seniors face a range of special oral concerns, including root decay and periodontal disease. You can keep your smile healthy by following a routine of proper oral care and making regular visits to your dentist. New research suggests that good oral health is essential to good overall health and high quality of life. The best way to achieve proper oral health is to prevent disease through daily brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist in Colorado Springs regularly. Taking care of your teeth now can help them last a lifetime. Oral and Overall Health Link According to a survey from the Academy of General Dentistry, 63 percent of baby boomers (ages 45 to 64) with an oral symptom considered to be a key indicator of a more serious health condition were unaware of the symptom's link to the condition. Failure to recognize the link between oral and overall health can have a negative effect on a person's quality of life. Baby boomers are vulnerable to developing Type 1 diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease, which the risks increase with age. Researchers believe that symptoms can manifest themselves in the mouth, making dentists important in diagnosing diseases. Some symptoms that can show further problems include:
• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Dental x-rays show the first stages of bone loss
• A sore and painful jaw could foreshadow an oncoming heart attack Special Needs for Seniors Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may face certain issues in your senior years when it comes to your oral health. Wearing dentures, taking medications and general health conditions are some of the issues that many seniors face. As you get older, your dental needs become increasingly specialized, making regular visits to your Colorado Springs dentist more important than ever before. Some common problems to watch out for include: • Gum (periodontal) disease
• Oral cancer
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty brushing and flossing
• Limited dentist access Many people do not realize how important it is to take care of their gums and teeth. Gum disease is caused by the bacteria that is found in plaque and can lead to more serious forms, as well as overall health issues. Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional treatment. When you do not take care of gingivitis, it can lead to periodontitis, which is a more severe form of gum disease that affects more than half of 65 to 74 year olds. Additionally, many seniors take medications that can cause changes to oral tissues, leading to dry mouth. Since saliva plays a major role in preventing tooth decay by rinsing away bacteria and food particles, as well as neutralizing harmful acids, you should talk to your dentist in Fountain and Colorado Springs, CO about ways to treat dry mouth. Regular visits to your dentist in Colorado Springs can do more than simply keep your teeth healthy - they can tell your dentist a lot about your overall health.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading dentist in Colorado Springs, Dr. Jonathan W. Hill, DDS, who has 20 years of experience and has called Colorado Springs his home since 1995. A leader in laser dentistry in Fountain and Colorado Springs, Dr. Hill provides patients with the most advanced dental technology in a warm, caring environment.
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