Dental care is important at any age, but it takes on a new level of importance as people reach retirement age and beyond. The level of oral health and hygiene has a profound impact on the individual. Here a few of the reasons why making sure to have regular dental checkups and accept suggestions about dental hygiene from experts like Markham Smile dentists is so important as you age.
Complications From Medications
Taking medication for one or more conditions is more common as people get older. What you may not realize is that the medicine you take to manage a chronic condition may also impact the health of your teeth. For example, the medication may lead to dry mouth, which in turn could trigger problems with the gums or possibly even damage the teeth themselves. With regular visits to one of the local Markham cosmetic dentists, it’s possible to identify side effects that impact the teeth and determine what sort of procedure would protect the health and appearance of your teeth.
Monitoring the Enamel
Enamel can wear down for a number of reasons. By the time you reach retirement age, it could be quite thin. This leads to a condition known as darkened teeth. The hue is not just because of staining from foods or tobacco products. It’s also partially because the enamel is wearing thin and the darker dentin underneath is exposed. Any of the Markham Smile dentists can spot this type of problem and come up with a plan to ensure your teeth look their best. This may include something as simple as adding veneers to restore the look of your teeth and protect the enamel you have remaining.
Increased Risk of Gum Disease
Gum disease does become more of a risk as you get older. The thing to remember is that this type of problem can also increase the odds of issues elsewhere in the body. Did you know that gum disease increases the risk of developing cardiovascular issues? If you have type 2 diabetes, gum disease further inhibits the ability of your body to produce insulin. Any of the Markham Smile dentists can successfully treat gum disease and come up with treatments that make your teeth look their best at the same time.
Receding Gums and Root Decay
Receding gums affect more than your smile. They also expose more of the tooth and increase the potential for decay. One problem you may not be aware of is known as root decay. This occurs when the gum tissue leaves some portion of the root exposed. If not treated properly, you could end up losing one or more teeth. When caught in the early stages, it’s possible to treat the condition, stabilize the teeth, and have one of the Markham cosmetic dentists employ some simple procedures to keep your smile looking great.
Choosing the Right Replacement for Natural Teeth
If you do develop a condition and removing your natural teeth becomes necessary, rest assured that Markham cosmetic dentists are prepared to help you explore all possible replacement options. This includes comparing dentures to various types of implants. Once you understand what individual implants, dentures, and All on Four implants have to offer, it will be easy to make the best choice.
Never procrastinate when it comes to seeking proper dental care during the later years. With the right support, your smile will look wonderful and your teeth will function as well as they did when you were younger.
