Dental Care as We Age
Company:
Dentistry by Dr. Arida
Location:
131 S. Euclid Ave, Westfield NJ
Phone: 908-654-6262
This month’s topic is taking care of your teeth as you age.
My dad was a dentist post WWII and, in his day, most were happy to be alive and life expectancy was mid-sixties. Today, our generation will live much longer and we want to enjoy a healthy mouth and teeth that we can smile, eat and speak with.
Of course, the first step is to see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. As we age, most of us will experience some level of gum recession that will create spaces between our teeth that more food and plaque can remain in to cause decay and periodontal disease. When a tooth has a crown and the gum recedes on that tooth there are parts of the tooth that will be vulnerable to decay because of the recession.
Your dentist may want to apply topical fluoride gel to your teeth to strengthen those newly exposed areas and prevent decay. This kind of fluoride can also be applied at home on a regular basis. It is very important to clean between our teeth with brush, floss and perhaps an interproximal aid like a toothpick or similar item.
As our teeth age they can develop cracks from stress that can cause major tooth failure. There are times when it is appropriate to cover teeth like that with a crown or similar coverage to protect and strengthen the tooth so it lasts for years and years.
In my father’s era it was accepted to be missing half of your teeth by 60, maybe a full denture by 65 because it was expected you did not have many years left to live. As we will live much longer, we need to protect our teeth from wear and tear along with fracture.
Another way to protect your teeth, beside a crown, is to wear a protective mouth guard at night so if you are grinding your teeth they will be protected on a daily basis. The modern day “Senior Citizen” is out and about, enjoying dining in restaurants and all kinds of social activities. All of us want to look and feel good and taking care of your smile and teeth is an important part of that. Here’s to many years of health and happy smiles for all of us as time goes by!
Dentistry by Dr. Arida is widely considered to be one the best dentists in the local area and we are lucky to have his columns to learn more about dental health. For more information, please visit www.drarida.com
or call 908-654-6262. The practice is located conveniently at 131 S. Euclid Ave, Westfield NJ. Check him out on social media: www.facebook. com/kennethwaridadds;
@dr_arida on Instagram
The intent of this article is for general information and should not be taken as direct advice related anyone’s particular dental health. Individuals are responsible for their own dental health by seeking timely care from a licensed Dentist.