The Baby Boomer generation is living longer thanks to healthier lifestyles and access to better and more frequent health care. The majority of this demographic will also keep their natural teeth throughout their entire lifetime, due in part to benefits such as water fluoridation and fluoride toothpaste (brushing and flossing daily doesn’t hurt either). Nevertheless, living longer means a greater risk of developing oral health problems.
Addressing the unique dental needs of Baby Boomers >>
Gum Health Is Just as Critical as Tooth Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 46 percent of adults over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease. About 9 percent of adults suffer with severe gum disease, and when periodontitis reaches this apex, tooth loss will occur. Bacteria, plaque, and decay that build up on the enamel and gums eventually ruin smiles. The older adults get, the more susceptible they become to periodontal disease, often indicated by symptoms like bleeding gums, swollen or painful gums, red gums, and loose teeth.
The symptoms of gum disease are obvious when the affliction is full-blown, but some people may not be able to identify the smaller markers of gingivitis. Regular visits to your Manhattan dentist will help in this department – your dentist knows your smile, and your dentist knows exactly what your gums and teeth should look like. Any problems will be identified immediately if you keep up with preventive care visits every six months.
Receding gums can come with age and years of heavy-handed brushing, exposing more and more of a tooth and its “softer” surfaces to plaque and bacteria. This can lead to decay and gum disease as well. One of the main causes behind tooth loss is gum disease. Missing teeth can create a sunken look to the face over time. Youthful Baby Boomer or not, missing teeth will age you. In cases like this, dental implants are often the best restorative dentistry solution to reinvigorate the jawbone and recreate the foundation of your smile.
Newly divorced? Ready to date? Boost your confidence with a smile makeover >>
What to Expect from Your Oral Health as You Age
Baby Boomers are at a greater risk for oral health problems as they age. A decrease in saliva production can be a side effect of a health condition, certain medications, or aging in general. While you can hydrate all you want with water – and you should – this beverage does not take the place of saliva which is responsible for keeping a healthy pH in your mouth and fighting bacteria and plaque before they have an opportunity to settle on enamel and develop into tooth decay.
Perhaps you’ve been diligent about your oral health throughout your adulthood, but now you’re experiencing some problems. You may need repairs for broken crowns. It may be time to upgrade your cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry. Modern innovations have created versatile cosmetic and restorative dentistry solutions that enable patients to get alternative solutions to dentures (i.e., dental implants), preferable treatment to braces (i.e., Invisalign), and solve many oral health problems at once (with porcelain veneers).
5 ways to show your smile some love >>
Baby Boomers Can Maintain Youthfulness with Good Oral Health
The physical limitations that Baby Boomers often experience can be frustrating. You are still young, you feel young, you think young – but your body may not play along. If you have problems with your vision, physical limitations due to arthritis or injuries, or even cognitive problems, it can be more difficult to brush and floss.
Chronic diseases become more common with aging, and can increase a person’s risk of developing poor oral health. Weakened immune systems, jaw joint diseases, even osteoporosis can compromise the function of your bone health and, therefore, your oral health.
The best news is that conscientious and motivated Baby Boomers can address their oral health needs and get the necessary solutions. Even if you do suffer from gum disease, it’s possible to rebuild the foundation of your smile to make room for restorative dentistry and a healthy, flawless smile makeover. Discuss any oral health problems you may be experiencing during an appointment with Dr. Michael J. Wei at his Manhattan cosmetic dental office.
