It’s well known that aging brings with it a variety of health concerns. However, many of these health concerns can be avoided or mitigated. One example is oral health concerns. Some changes inevitably happen within our oral cavity as we age. However, with consistent and sufficient oral health care,, we can maintain our beautiful smiles for a lifetime. It starts with good oral hygiene, but it doesn’t end there. We’re going to discuss the impact of aging on oral health and how you can improve it.
Reducing Age-Related Risks To Oral Health
There is no presently available way to eliminate all the factors involved with aging. However, we learn more about the process and how to mitigate its impacts yearly. The first step is understanding how other age-related concerns impact our oral health. Keeping abreast of this information will allow us to account for these changes. Some of the changes that occur as we get older include:
- Cellular Oxidative Stress
- Declining Immune System
- Changing Hormonal Levels
- Constriction of Gingival Veins
Some of these issues contribute to the loss of enamel strength. As the veins in the gums become more constricted, it becomes increasingly difficult to get nutrition to these teeth. This leads to the enamel lacking the minerals it needs to remain strong and effective. As it weakens, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to abrasion and decay, leading to tooth decay.
This situation is exacerbated by the natural decline of our immune system. Our body has to fight the advances of streptococcus mutans every day. This bacteria is the leading cause of biofilms such as plaque and tartar. It is accordingly associated with the advance of tooth decay. Our oral health can struggle as our body struggles to keep them at bay.
Elderly patients often struggle with getting sufficient oral health care for several reasons. One of the most apparent reasons is a staggering lack of access to sufficient coverage. Public medical assistance rarely provides the coverage for getting all the treatments necessary to maintain good oral health. This, more than any other reason, drives the tendency for aging individuals to have increasingly poor dental health. Below is a presentation of the most common drivers of oral health concerns in aging patients:
- Genetic factors
- Reduced access to dental care
- Limited ability to perform routine daily hygiene
- Poor economic access
- Additional contributing health concerns
- Weakening enamel from insufficient nutrients
- Interactions with medications
How To Find Effective Dental Care For Patients
Bridges, dental implants, porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, sealants, and other treatments can effectively address the health concerns faced by elderly dental patients. If you struggle to access the necessary care, speak to your dentist. These professionals can often give you access to payment alternatives and financing plans if your insurance coverage is insufficient. Your dental provider is your most important ally in maintaining lifelong dental health.