Taking Care Of Aging Teeth

As we get older, we understandably begin to worry about the health of our teeth. That is a natural feeling, as we only have one set of adult teeth. And our smile is constantly at risk, from slips and falls or other accidents to bacteria and tooth decay.

And our bones begin to lose density as we age, which can affect how your teeth sit within your jaw. This is known as osteoporosis, and affects almost half of women over the age of 50. Men are also susceptible to the loss of biological matter, with about a quarter of the older male population affected.

Today, your Maple Grove, MN dentist explains the importance of maintaining your oral health once you have reached the age of 50. And some simple tips on how to avoid damage wherever possible!

I Don’t Notice Anything

One of the most dangerous things about osteoporosis is that it develops mostly without any external symptoms until there is a break. If your doctor suggests a bone density scan, be sure to follow through on the appointment. It can save you time, worry, and most of all, pain!

This condition does affect women at a rate that is around double that of men. With that said, anyone over the age of 50, regardless of their sex, should assume that they have lost some bone density in order to prevent the possibility of damage. It’s certainly alright to take things with a little more caution than when you were 20. You’ve earned it.

My Mouth Is At Risk?

Your mouth can certainly be more susceptible to concerns if your jaw bone density is low, and for a few different reasons. Firstly, this does make the face more likely to experience a break during a trauma such as a fall or a car accident.

Also, you might notice your teeth becoming loose, which is something that you should always bring to your trained oral health care professional. We do not want to lose our own healthy matter when possible, as replacement can be intrusive and cost-intensive.

Care For Yourself

As we age, it is important that we take the time for precautions in our osteopathic health. The first thing to remember is to maintain a healthy diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables. The more diversity in your produce, the better for your oral health, usually. We depend on many different vitamins and nutrients in order to keep our mouths safe.

You need at least 1000 mg of calcium daily, and if your diet cannot support this, you may need a supplement. But ideally, this will come from a food source. Also, 600 IU of Vitamin D is necessary to maintain strong skeletal matter.

And like with any other patient, brush your teeth fully twice every day, as well as flossing regularly and using an oral rinse. Smoking and alcohol consumption may also contribute to problems, so please quit!

Call Us Today!

If you want to learn more about how to care for your smile as you age, please reach out to our team! To schedule an appointment, or if you have any further questions, please call Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN, today at 763-416-0606.