Let Us Help You Keep Smiling as You Age!Here at Denison Dentistry, we want to help you keep those beautiful teeth you show off when you smile for as long as you can! Dr. Denison and the staff here believe that the more information you have about your oral health, the better you’ll be able to make healthcare and lifestyle decisions.

As we have talked about before, this is a team effort. You brush twice a day, floss once a day and come in to see us at least every six months. We give you a thorough dental cleaning twice a year along with a comprehensive exam. Did you know that your mouth changes as you age? Let’s take a minute and look at aging and dental health.

You and Your Mouth

Each age has its own dental challenges and milestones. Let’s look at what happens to our mouths as we approach and enter our golden years.

The Aging Mouth

Along with those encroaching gray hairs come some new issues to think about when you are thinking about your oral health. According to the American Dental Association, some of the issues we should consider include:

  • Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth. There are many conditions and medications which may cause a dry, parched mouth. Besides being uncomfortable, a dry mouth can lead to halitosis (bad breath), periodontitis (inflammation and infection of the gums around the base of the teeth), dental decay and tooth loss. If you frequently suffer from a dry mouth, please let us know. There are good treatment options.

  • Arthritis and other conditions impacting fine motor skills and mobility. If mobility makes it a problem to get into the bathroom, oral health may suffer. Likewise, if arthritis or other conditions make it difficult to floss or brush, it will be more difficult to enjoy the excellent dental hygiene you have in the past.

  • Other conditions that become more common with aging, such as diabetes and hypertension, can also impact your oral health. This is why we want to know not just about your dental health, but your physical health, as well.

Whatever your age, Dr. Denison and the team want to work with you to help you enjoy a happy and healthy mouth for years and decades to come. To find out more about aging and dental health, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us or give us a call at 757-873-9000. Ready for a Beautiful, Healthy Smile? You’ve come to the right place!