Dental health deteriorates as you age for a variety of reasons. One reason is that the enamel on your teeth wears down over time. As a result, it can make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold foods and make them more susceptible to decay.
Another reason is that your gums may become less healthy as you age. The gum tissue can shrink and pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots to bacteria and plaque. It can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Finally, older adults are often less active than younger adults, leading to poor oral hygiene habits. This can cause tooth decay and gum disease to progress more quickly.
As you grow older, you will need to visit the dentist more frequently for checkups and cleanings. Here are five essential dental services you’ll need as you age:
Implants
Most seniors who have reached 50 years old and above have lost most of their teeth. Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. Implants are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to act as artificial roots. Implants are the closest thing you can get to natural teeth; they’re durable, making them a great long-term solution for tooth loss. However, if you want to improve your implants, you have options.
One of them is dental veneers. This cosmetic procedure is placed above your existing implant to improve its appearance. Veneers are made of thin, porcelain shells that are custom-made to fit your smile. They are a great choice if your implant or natural teeth have been chipped or damaged.
Crowns
As you grow older, your teeth become brittle. It’s for a variety of reasons. The first reason is that the enamel on your teeth wears down over time. It can make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold foods and make them more susceptible to decay.
Another reason is that your gums may become less healthy as you age. The gum tissue can shrink and pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots to bacteria and plaque. This can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Finally, older people are often less active than younger adults, leading to poor oral hygiene habits. It can cause tooth decay and gum disease to progress more quickly.
Crowns are a great way to protect your teeth from further damage and restore their function and appearance. Crowns are caps that are placed over the top of your existing teeth. They are also called “caps.” They’re placed over the top of a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of your smile. In some cases, crowns may be necessary to support a dental bridge.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is an artificial tooth to fill a gap created by one or more missing teeth. The two adjacent teeth on either side of the gap are prepared by removing a portion of the enamel. It leaves room for the placement of crowns, which act as anchors for the false tooth in the middle (called a pontic). Dental bridges are usually made from porcelain or ceramic, which matches the color of your natural teeth.
Dentures
Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth. They’re made from a plastic or acrylic base that fits over your gums. The base is then fitted with artificial teeth. Dentures can be full or partial. Complete dentures can replace all teeth in any jaw, while partial dentures are used to replace just a few missing teeth. They’re a cheap alternative to everything above but aren’t as durable.
Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Even if you take good care of your teeth, you should still see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This is because plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth over time, even if you brush and floss regularly. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If it’s not removed, it can harden into tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove and can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
During a dental cleaning, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They will also check for tooth decay or gum disease signs. It’s essential to catch these problems early so they can be treated before they become more serious.
These are just some essential dental services you’ll need as you age. Be sure to see your dentist regularly to keep your smile healthy and bright. It’ll also help your teeth age slower.
