If you practice good dental hygiene and pay special attention to way that your dental health needs change as you get older, you can maintain a sparkling, healthy smile well into older age. Try to maximize your chances of keeping that healthy smile by being mindful of the following potential problems.
Darkened teeth
Depending on whether you have consumed a lot of foods and drinks that cause staining (e.g. coffee and red wine), you feel that your healthy smile is undermining by discoloration. However, even people who practice great dental hygiene and have a generally healthy smile can start to notice stained teeth due to subtle chances in tooth tissue that occur in older age. If you are concerned about this, talk to your dentist about the possibility of whitening procedures.
Gum disease
Once again, even if you have worked to keep a healthy smile by seriously limiting your exposure to decaying substances, you may find that your underlying health problems (such as diabetes, anemia and some forms of cancer) make you more likely to develop gum disease. Look out for swollen, bleeding gums, and consider a regular trip to a dental hygienist to help keep your mouth even cleaner.
Stomatitis
If, like many older adults, you have decided to get dentures in order to create the appearance of a maximally healthy smile, you might develop inflammation of the tissue underneath the dentures. If you notice painful, recurring mouth ulcers, speak to your dentist about the underlying cause. Sometimes, acquiring dentures with a better fit can help to prevent reoccurrences and help you to maintain a healthy smile.
Oral cancer
Oral cancer can develop at any age, and it is one of the most important reasons why you should see your dentist on a regular basis. In particular, any unexplained sores or patches of discolored tissue should always be examined if they do not disappear over the course of several weeks. In addition, although you may look as though you have an entirely healthy smile, an expert can notice subtle signs that could lead to an early diagnosis and a better outlook.
