You have a family picture and the photographer say, “Smile.” How can you smile if you don’t have teeth to show? Today, many adults over at the age of 50s facing different problems in oral health. It is a big issue as teeth is a vital part of the body.
Biggest Dental Problems for Over 50s and How to Battle Them:
1. Tooth Decay
Not only children are susceptible to tooth decay, even adults over 50. As you grow old, there are some complications, especially in the dental field. Your teeth become weak, and the roots become soft. Sometimes, the root can also be exposed due to age.
You can have a fluoride treatment; make sure it is recommended by your dentist.
2. Oral Cancer
It is a deadly type of cancer. This cancer is sadly increasing in some affected patients, which are mostly adults.
Prevention and early detection is still the best solution to fight oral cancer. If you suspect any unusual occurrence in your mouth, especially in the tongue and gums, you should consult your dentist immediately. He will perform an examination to diagnose if you have oral cancer.
3. Gum Disease
It starts with gingivitis, the simplest form of gum disease. It is where the gum is inflamed and red. There is a collection of pus inside the swollen gums and if not treated properly will progress to a severe gum disease which is periodontitis. And since old people usually have poor dental hygiene and because they don’t brush their teeth the right way, they are more susceptible to this condition.
To prevent it from happening, go to your dentist if you have a cracked or fractured tooth. It is also important to visit your dentist for a regular checkup.
4. Dry Mouth
Saliva is a protection from tooth decay. If you have a dry mouth, especially at night, then the protection is lessened. Symptoms of dry mouth are difficulty in swallowing, dry throat, chapped lips, and sticky or dry feeling inside the mouth. All these symptoms usually occur to individuals near the age of 50. This is because old people easily gets dehydrated, which then causes dry mouth.
Try to stimulate saliva production by sipping water most of the times, or you can also have chewing gums that are sugar-free.
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