Many people associate seniors with dentures, but in reality tooth loss is not an inevitable part of aging. With adequate care and planning, you can maintain your smile throughout your retirement years. Doing so will not only benefit your self-esteem, but it will improve your general health as well.
The foundation of good oral health doesn’t change as we age. Preventive care is still the most worthwhile investment of your effort and time.
Having a good relationship with your dentist is central to keeping your smile healthy as you age. It’s just as important – if not more so – for an older adult to get dental check-ups and cleanings every six months as it is for younger adults and children. This routine check-in will help to minimize harmful bacteria, through the professional cleanings, and identify any oral diseases before they get so advanced that they do serious damage.
Your risk of gum disease, which can result in tooth loss, can increase as you get older, but if a dentist examines your gums every six months, it’s more likely that you’ll be able to catch the condition in its earliest phases, when it can be most easily treated.
In order to retain your smile well into your 80s and beyond, you’ll need to put in some effort on your own, too. Brush and floss as directed by your dentist. Be sure that you’re taking enough time during each brushing session, generally around two minutes.
Patients who have appliances, such as bridges or partial dentures, should also get advice from a dental expert about the best way to maintain those devices in order to keep the rest of the smile healthy.
If you are approaching your retirement years, don’t feel that tooth loss is a foregone conclusion. Keep up with your regular dental appointments and follow a good home care routine, and you may be able to keep your natural smile for many years.
Contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan at 214-343-1818 to learn more about protecting your smile as you age.
