over 50

Over 50? Look Out For These Oral Health Issues

added on: September 23, 2016

It used to be incredibly common to lose teeth as we grow older. But thanks to advancements in dental technology, that’s really not the case anymore. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), Americans are keeping their own, natural teeth longer than ever. However, at my Kettering dental office, we know that the longer we keep our teeth, and as we age, the more we need to pay attention to some common oral health issues.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is concerning because it means there’s a lack of adequate saliva in the mouth. Saliva naturally helps neutralize acid and rinse away bacteria. Additionally, it’s packed with calcium and phosphate which aid in keeping teeth strong. Without it, teeth are left exposed to decay. While anyone can suffer from dry mouth, it tends to be more common in older adults. One reason this may be is due to the increased use of medication as we age. Some medications list dry mouth as a side effect, so make sure to discuss all medicines you take with your dentist.

Decay

Decay and cavities are pretty common in those over 50. As previously mentioned, this could be a result of dry mouth, but there are other explanations too. As we age, our teeth actually soften, which is bad news for teeth and great news for bacteria. Stronger teeth are harder to attack and as they soften, become easier to attack. Help combat decay by continuing to brush and floss every day.

Oral Cancer

Every year nearly 45,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer and 8,000 actually die from it. While anyone can be affected by oral cancer, the risk rises as we age. Many people who do have oral cancer are currently smokers or heavy drinkers, or were at some point in their lives. There is a bit of good news though: if caught early, the chance of survival is around 80%.

Gum Disease

Gum disease isn’t something to take lightly as it has been directly linked to other whole-body health concerns. In fact, people with gum disease are at double the risk of developing heart disease or diabetes. Of all people 50 and older, 30% have gum disease.  

Each one of these dental issues can lead to tooth loss if not caught and treated quickly, so it’s crucial to maintain regular dental checkups with your dentist in Kettering every six months.  

If you’re over 50 and don’t have a dentist, we strongly recommend finding one that you trust to evaluate your current dental health and discuss any potential problems you may have. Not sure where to start looking for one? Call my dental office in Kettering and schedule an appointment today. We’ll be happy to see you and get your mouth healthy — for life.

About The Author
Dr. Eric Callejo

Dr. Eric Callejo was honored as the Clinical Instructor of the Year by the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and named Dayton Magazine's Top Dentist. He has certifications in Invisalign and IV sedation and is a certified provider of Botox and Juvederm. He completed residencies in general practice and implant dentistry, earned the highest accreditations from the Academy of General Dentistry and the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, and completed continuing education in several dental institutions.

Posted In: Oral Health

Schedule An Appointment
Don't Wait Any Longer
What are you waiting for? Make today the day you find a dental home that has your back and schedule your appointment...
Sedation Dentistry
Anxiety-Free Options
Look no further for trusted, always reliable Kettering sedation dentistry than Artisan Dental Group. With us, your comfort comes first and dental anxiety doesn’t...
Implant Dentistry
Missing Teeth Solution
Missing a tooth? Missing multiple teeth? Let our team talk with you about your implant dentistry options for the natural, most durable way to...