Maintaining a good home hygiene routine of daily flossing and brushing, as well as eating a balanced diet, can help you adapt to changes in your mouth as you age. As you age, medications and the reduced salivary flow will dramatically affect your oral health.
Some of the changes you may experience as you age include:
- Darker Teeth
- Receding Gums
- Decayed/Darkened Fillings
- Dry Mouth
- Gum Infection & Plaque Build-Up
- Bone Loss
- Tooth Loss
All of these problems can be treated when you visit our office and can enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile. For more information, please contact our office soon.
Overall Health & Tooth Loss
Periodontal disease frequently causes the loss of multiple teeth. In addition, it has been linked to severe physical diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Studies have shown that those who have lost their natural teeth have a life expectancy of up to 10 years shorter than those who have all of their natural teeth. In addition, the quality of life of those with dentures is less because dentures function at about 20% capacity of normal teeth.
Tooth loss can be avoided. By maintaining a consistent oral home hygiene routine and attending your regularly scheduled appointments at Dardenne Dental Arts, we can get you back to optimal oral health. Call today to schedule your next appointment!
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Dry mouth is a common problem. It has been estimated that lack of saliva affects three out of every ten Americans. When your natural saliva flow is cut, it often causes problems with swallowing, pain in the oral tissues, and can also lead to cavities and periodontal disease. In addition, the tongue will stick, you aren’t able to taste your food, and the digestive process is inhibited.
Dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia) is often an effect of the natural aging process or a side effect of some medications taken by seniors and others. Many cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy experience a severe form of xerostomia that can have a significant effect on their oral health.
To help relieve the effects of xerostomia, our dentist can prescribe dry mouth toothpaste, saliva substitute solutions, or special saliva-producing chewing gum. We invite you to call us today to learn more about xerostomia and how we can help you.
Dentures & Seniors
Dentures are a wonderful option for seniors who are missing teeth. Unfortunately, even the best dentures aren’t as effective as natural teeth are at chewing food comfortably and efficiently.
In addition, the supporting ridges of the mouth tend to change as the years go by, requiring a “relining” or “refitting.” Dr. Reyering recommends having dentures relined or refitted every four to five years in order to give you a more comfortable fit.
If you have any questions about your dentures, give us a call today.
Burning Mouth
Burning mouth, or an irritated mouth, can be caused by several things:
- A new or ill-fitting denture
- Salivary gland dysfunction
- Medications (a side-effect)
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Candida (a common oral fungus) infections
These causes can all be treated. If you are suffering from burning mouth, contact our office soon to get the relief you need.