September is National Healthy Aging Month
ARCH Orthodontics is recognizing Health Aging Month throughout September. It’s important that adults pay close attention to their oral health and what’s occurring in the rest of their body too.
Your ARCH Orthodontist knows that, as we age, there’s an increased risk of developing dental and other detrimental diseases. Your teeth are especially prone to:
- Gum disease
- Serious tooth decay
- Oral cancer
We’re here to give you some helpful tips on how to care for your teeth (and the rest of your body) later in life.
- The Basics of Brushing & Flossing
The older we get, the more imperative it is that we pay close attention to how we care for our teeth. This means adhering to the same brushing and flossing rule that ARCH Orthodontists and dentists teach to children. It’s time-tested rule of brushing 2 to 3 times a day and flossing once daily. You should also rinse thoroughly, preferably with mouthwash. Maintaining proper brushing and flossing will help keep cavity-causing bacteria from damaging teeth.
- Avoiding Gum Disease
Treating gum disease important at any age but unfortunately, adults are more susceptible. Periodontal or gum disease deals with your gums, teeth, tissue, and bone. During your mid-30s, gum disease becomes a major risk factor for tooth loss. Make sure to keep up with your brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits to help keep your gums protected from bad bacteria and plaque.
- Proper Care For Your Fillings
Did you have fillings earlier in life, possibly when you were a child? As you get older, the odds of having problems with your older filling definitely increases because fillings are sometimes used as a temporary solution to fix a cavity-decayed tooth. If there’s damage or wear to your filling it leaves your tooth or teeth more susceptible to plaque and bacteria. If you have a failing filling, it’s important that you see your dentist to discuss what solutions are available to you.
These are just a few of the oral health tips you should take into consideration as you grow older. The best way to make sure both you and your mouth stay healthy is to keep going to your checkup with your dentist and health care providers. Preventive care will help you avoid bigger problems in the future while saving you time and money.
If you have any questions about aging and oral health, please call your ARCH Orthodontist. We always look forward to hearing from you and helping you and your smile stay healthy for years to come.
Visit our offices in Bridgewater, Brockton, Randolph, Canton, Westwood, Orleans, Hyannis, Hyde Park, and Stoughton.
