Lots of things change as you age, but one thing that shouldn’t is making dental care a priority.
A recent study conducted by Crest®, Oral-B®, and AARP found that dental health is one of the top three medical concerns among Americans age 50+ with 74% of respondents saying they visit the dentist at least twice a year.
However, many reported they don’t use mouthwash, floss, or brush twice a day, which could be setting them up for problems down the road.
Here are a few of the common dental concerns that come with growing older.
- Dry Mouth. Usually caused by medication use or hormone fluctuations, dry mouth might seem like just a minor annoyance, but it can be a big problem for dental health. Without saliva to wash away decay-causing bacteria, your teeth are more prone to cavities and painful tooth infections. Combat dry mouth by drinking lots of water and keeping sugar-free candies nearby.
- Increased risk of oral cancer. In addition to smoking, age can also be a significant risk factor to oral cancer, and unfortunately, it’s one you have no control over. The good news is Oral Cancer is very survivable if caught early enough, it has an 83% survival rate. However, once cancer spreads the survival rate drops considerably. That’s why keeping regularly scheduled dental appointments are crucial. During your visit, the dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening.
- Cosmetic Concerns. Teeth can take a lot of abuse over time, and discoloration, minor cracks, chips, and worn edges will start to show, making Boomers feel self-conscious about their appearance. Fortunately, there are a variety of cosmetic and restorative dentistry options available to help restore an age-worn smile.
If you have dental issues or need to start a regular dental checkup schedule, give us a call today at 573.243.5200. At Jackson Dental, we offer a wide range of cosmetic, restorative, and preventative dental services. We are always accepting new patients, and we offer free consultations for many of our procedures.