If you're feeling like your body just isn't what it used to be, take heart: While you may not be able to prevent your reflexes from slowing or your hair from graying, you can prevent your dental health from deteriorating.
While maintenance care plays an important role in good health throughout your life, it becomes more vital as you age. Fillings need to be checked periodically and replaced as needed, and regular cleanings are necessary to remove plaque and prevent periodontal disease. Just as you may increase visits to a physician's office, your dental visits also may need to increase.
Longer life expectancies and increasing use of prescription medications are placing new stresses on the teeth and gums. Some drugs, such as those for high blood pressure, dry the mouth. Even if you haven't had a cavity in years, this condition can drastically increase your chance of tooth decay.
Prescription drugs, along with other factors such as old fillings, tobacco, coffee, teas and colas also can cause teeth to look dull and stained, a condition which can be corrected with tooth whitening. Bleaching is a simple, easy procedure, done at home with supplies we provide.
Another option available to today's seniors is orthodontic care. For years, no one has thought twice about using aids and glasses to compensate for loss of hearing and vision, but more and more, older people are considering orthodontic care to revive the beauty and function of their smiles.
With aging, teeth tend to migrate forward, often causing crowding, particularly in lower front teeth. This can lead to difficulty in chewing, and ultimately, selection of softer, less nutritious foods. In addition, misaligned teeth can create tension and pain in the jaw joints because of the excess stress placed on chewing muscles. With the extraction of a single tooth and clear bracket braces worn for a year, however, we've seen incredible changes in patients' smiles.
Or if just one area of your smile needs restorative work, we may be able to help with a dental implant. They're an increasingly popular alternative to bridges and dentures because they look and feel natural.
While admittedly, we can't stop time, we can help slow down or even reverse the aging process with some of these options. If you'd like more information on any of them, please call our office.
Comments or questions? Want to get your personal copy of Word of Mouth? Complete the Family Dentistry Questionnaire or eMail Dr. Vera Stewart. We always appreciate patient feedback!
Last Updated: 11/99
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