How Dental Care Changes As We Age

Dental care is important; no matter what stage you are at in life. However, things do inevitably change with age and this makes it necessary to customise your approach. Sometimes, it can be easy enough to take our teeth for granted; that is until they are suddenly affected by decay and deterioration.

So, how can you keep smiling long into your ‘twilight years’?

Understanding ‘yellow’ teeth

It’s natural that your teeth will discolor more as you get older. Don’t panic, there are a number of teeth whitening kits that can help solve the problem (see paragraph below). The ‘yellow factor’ that you might notice is actually due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. You see, teeth are composed of several layers. This inside area, known as ‘dentin’ can sometimes show up under the ‘enamel’ (this is the top layer of your teeth which usually becomes more thin and transparent over time).

This creates a yellow look that may be worsened by the stained enamel itself. If you drink a lot of tea/coffee/red wine and smoke cigarettes/tobacco, this will be intensified. What you have here is a compound effect. Unfortunately, this means your teeth will no longer resemble anything that could be conceivably recognised as ‘white’!

Getting back your ‘gleaming grin’

Now, how to get back that ‘gleaming grin’? Well, most dentists, providers, and their patients turn to teeth whitening (as mentioned above). The good news is that there are a number of teeth whitening kits and services on the market that can be used to combat a problem with discoloration. So, you can opt to pay for the service at your dentist - in what is commonly known as ‘in-chair teeth whitening’ - or, you can ‘DIY it’ from the comfort of your own home.

Whatever option you chose, you can look forward to some lovely white ‘toothy pegs’ at the end of the process. You may experience a little discomfort but this is mostly due to the awkwardness of having to wait for the product to work (there is no actual physical pain involved). At home whitening kits can save you a lot of money and these days are so fuss-free, with applications now even formed in the shape of a pen for ultimate ease-of-use.

Important caveats

However, there are some important caveats for effectiveness. One is to use only those products that contain dental-grade teeth-whitening formulas that are compliant with all safety standards and the Australian Dental Association. That means you will get instant tried-and-tested results anywhere up to 12 shades lighter than your original tooth shade.

Another is to keep in mind that this does become less effective as you get older (like most things about the body that sadly become less resilient and less responsive as we age) and that some stains may be more stubborn than others. Also, you may experience some sensitivities. That being said, testimonials show that you will still enjoy great results overall. So, yes white teeth can be yours once again!

Your complete dental health

Whilst solving the problem of discolored teeth will make you feel a whole lot better, there is always the need to go deeper in addressing your complete dental health. Regular check-ups at the dentist are absolutely essential. You may want to set yourself regular reminders to do so. Going to the dentist isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, but these visits get even more important as you get older in ensuring a preventative level of care.

Dental care also doesn't just stop at your teeth, so you will also want to take care of those gums. Keep periodontal disease (and those scary dentures) at bay by paying close attention to plaque build-up between the tooth and gums. Employing proper personal care for gum disease is your best weapon against this ‘plague of plaque’. Issues are preventable at any age for scaling to remove hardened plaque and infected gum tissues, a course of antibiotics, and (in some cases only) surgery.

How To Choose A Dentist For Seniors

With the aging population and medical technology advancing at such an amazing pace, you have many options when it comes to choosing the right dentist for seniors. For the oral health of a senior citizen with Alzheimer's disease, it would require intervention and techniques to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits.

Here are the following tips when choosing a dentist for seniors: 

• Choose an experienced dentist for seniors: One of the best ways to determine which dentist is right for you is to look at their experience with handling different dental issues among seniors with medical problems. If you reside near or in South of Brisbane, you might want to seek the services of a reputable dentist Camp Hill. 

• Check pricing and dental plans: Most dentists now offer dental plans and discounts, hence make sure you ask about this before choosing one. Some dental plans will cover your entire cost of dental care, while others will limit your options. Talk to them about the details of their plans so you know what you can expect before making your final choice.

• Choose Geriatric Dentists: Many dentists offer more advanced dental services than their predecessors. Some of these include cosmetic procedures, bridges and veneers, bonding, root canals, and tooth whitening.

Senior Dental Health Tips  

For your reference, take a look at the following senior dental health tips: 

• Scheduling your appointments in advance will ensure that your visit is scheduled on time and you won't miss anything you may need. When you are ready to come back for more help with your oral health, you can schedule another appointment.

• Learning good dental health habits is also important. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss twice a day, visit your dentist if necessary, and ask your dentist about healthy foods to eat and liquids to drink. These simple steps will help keep your teeth looking their best. Even if your dentist doesn't prescribe any medications, they can still give you tips and advice on how to keep them healthy.

 

In conclusion, higher instances of gum disease, mouth infections, and inevitable tooth loss occur after the age of 65, alongside a list of other dental related ailments. Plus, a lot of people get concerned about those ‘yellow teeth’. However, it’s not all bad news for you and your teeth as you age. Teeth whitening, preventative care and - of course - those regular dentist check-ups will keep a ‘smile on your dial’ no matter the ‘miles on your clock’!