Are you at a point in your life where you feel you don’t need to continue seeing your dentist on a regular basis? Your teeth and gums are healthy, right? Why bother seeing someone to only have them tell you to “keep up the good work?” The reason is that in the time between your regular appointments, serious problems can develop, and as you age, the risk for developing decay and disease increase. Find out what your dentist in Daytona Beach has to say about routine dental care even as you grow older.
Why Do Teeth Become More Susceptible to Decay and Disease with Age?
Research on Aging recently published a shocking revelation – that individuals over the age of 80 increasingly discontinue seeing their dental professional for regular checkups and cleanings. There are a few reasons for this, including:
- Inability to access dental care
- Lack of dental insurance coverage
- Unaware of the benefits of dental health
The study performed examined the frequency of people over the age of 51 went to the dentist. Of more than 20,000 participants (17, 661 U.S.-born and 2,827 foreign-born), 70% saw a dentist in the past two years; however, that number dropped among adults around the age of 80.
Unfortunately, as you grow older, the chances for oral health problems to occur increase. Yes, lifestyle changes and circumstances change, making it difficult to access certain care, but there is a comfort level people can find themselves in where they believe they no longer need the services of a dental professional.
Decay and disease know no age, which means, it can develop in the youngest to the oldest patients. Should oral hygiene practices falter or restorations not receive the proper care over the years, this can wreak havoc on one’s oral health.
Why Are Routine Cleanings Important?
A dental professional is the only person who can properly examine and treat problems before they occur. It is suggested that unless suffering from periodontal disease, patients should see their dentist twice a year (every six months). If you’re wondering why routine cleanings and checkups are so important, here are a few reasons:
- Gum Disease – Your dental hygienist can remove plaque and tartar buildup around the gum line. This will keep your gum tissue healthy and free from the possibility of developing gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. If left untreated, it can result in an aggressive form and cause bone and tooth loss.
- Cavities – When bacteria grows on your tooth, it can burrow into the top layers, creating cavities. At this point, you will require a filling to restore the weakened tooth. A dentist can check for tooth decay and offer treatments and at-home tips to stop or slow the progression.
- Oral Cancer – Although not as widely talked about as decay and disease, oral cancer screenings are a normal part of any dental checkup. Taking only minutes (or even seconds), your dentist can look for signs that might indicate possible oral cancer. Early detection is important when treating this disease.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings should never stop being a priority. Your oral health plays a large role in your overall well-being, and it can negatively impact your heart, brain, and other areas of your body if you’re not careful. If you’re struggling to find a way to pay for your dental visits, talk to your dentist about your options.
About the Author
Dr. Gladston Silva earned his DDS degree, with a specialization in prosthodontics, from the University of Itauna in Brazil before earning his DMD, with top honors, from NOVA Southeastern University. Dr. Silva has been transforming patient smiles for years. Not only will he listen to your dental concerns, but he will also work to understand your unique needs, making sure to suggest the right method of treatment for you every time. Contact us via our website or by calling (386) 274-2021 to learn more about how we can help you.