Teeth are wonderful in the ways that they help us to eat and speak properly. We also can’t forget that teeth should be given the credit when we smile. For these reasons, it’s important that our teeth stay as healthy as possible, no matter the age. In fact, teeth are just important to us as toddlers as they are as senior citizens.
Aging and Teeth
Unfortunately, as we age, our teeth and mouths tend to go through some changes. The gum tissue naturally recedes causing the soft root tissue to become exposed, which can cause the likeliness of tooth decay and gum disease to occur. Gum recession may even increase the chances of sensitivity for some individuals causing extreme temperatures (hot or cold) to feel extremely uncomfortable. Additionally, if you may be someone who didn’t receive fluoridated water or dental sealants as a child, these factors can also negatively impact your dental health too.
What To Do:
While you can’t go back and change the past, you can change the future of how you take care of your teeth and dental health. First things first, you do need to visit with your dentist and dental hygienist on a routine basis. Generally, the rule of thumb is to see both your dentist and dental hygienist once every 6 months for a good cleaning and dental examination. For certain patients who may have more severe periodontal disease or other dental conditions, these individuals may need to visit with the dentist more frequently.
In addition to visiting with your dentist, it is extremely important that you are practicing good oral hygiene at home. Make sure that you are brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush or you can speak with your dentist to learn about electric toothbrushes and brush with an electric. Additionally, it is imperative that you floss between the teeth at least once a day. If you can try flossing once before bed as this helps to remove the bacteria that has built up over the course of the day.
Contact Us:
At Costa Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we just so happen to be in close proximity to a retirement area in our Great Falls location. If you feel that you haven’t done much about your oral health recently or haven’t found a dentist in the area, we would love for you to contact us. We see a variety of patients and would love for you to find your dental home within our practice.