As an Encino dentist office, we find that many adults make the mistake of visiting the dentist less frequently after retiring. Perhaps it is the change in daily routine, but many retirees do not have their teeth examined or cleaned as often as they should. This is unfortunate because oral health plays an important role in overall health, regardless of how old you are.
In our dental office, we have identified some common health concerns that those over 65 tend to face. Gum disease is at the top of the list. Gum disease is an extremely common condition that develops due to a lack of oral hygiene, failure to visit the dentist, and a person’s health. For example, those with diabetes are at a greater risk of getting gum disease. This is something we can identify and treat in our dental office, and if we catch it immediately, a deep cleaning may be all that is necessary for eliminating the symptoms of the disease. If, however, gum disease is left untreated, it can cause the gums to recede and pull away from the teeth. Pockets are then created in the gum tissue, exposing more of the tooth structure and roots. If the gums continue to pull away, the risk of getting an infection or experiencing bone loss. For this reason, gum disease is notorious for increasing the risk of tooth loss.
Patients of our Encino dentist office can decrease the risk of gum disease and tooth loss by having teeth cleaned twice a year. During these appointments, we can not only clean the teeth but also identify any signs of cavities, infections or erosion. In older adults, enamel erosion is a common problem, even before retirement age. Due to eating acidic foods, brushing too aggressively, a lack of dental care or age, enamel can wear away. When it does, the dentin and nerve endings underneath become exposed. This can create sensitive teeth and incredible amounts of discomfort. During routine exams, we look for erosion and can offer solutions such as dental crowns to protect teeth if necessary.
Replacing Missing Teeth
As an Encino dentist, we can both restore and replace any teeth that you have lost due to age or infections. We recommend scheduling a consultation to start the process and during your visit, we will examine your teeth and gums while also taking x-rays. We will then discuss your lifestyle and the goals that you have for your smile. The more information you provide, the more customized our recommendation and solution can be. For example, if your lifestyle is incredibly active with you traveling, playing sports, etc. you may want a dental implant since this is the most durable and permanent solution. However, if you are looking to replace all of your teeth and don’t want to pay as much attention to your oral health, a full set of dentures may be a preferable solution. As your local dental office, we can discuss all of your treatment options while also helping you to remain in excellent oral health as you age.