Ever notice those wrinkles around your eyes or that shiny grey hair that shows up in your 40s? Turns out your teeth show changes, too.
As your body undergoes chemical and hormonal changes, the gums can also have problem areas, become swollen and begin bleeding. The mouth begins to change acidity, and cavities can begin to form much like they did in the teenage years.
Another issue that rears its head is the dreaded “dry mouth syndrome.” Some of the most common factors leading to this include medication, menopause, inhalers and dietary changes.
A few tips to help you avoid the avalanche of cavities and gum issues that come with aging:
- Brush three times a day
- Floss nightly
- Use a Waterpik nightly
- Use Xylitol products
- Use fluoride
- Drink plenty of water to neutralize the mouth acidity
- Chew gum (like Trident with Xylitol)
- Get professional checkups at the dentist every three to six months
Diabetes: How it Affects Your Oral Health
ItÂ’s estimated that 29 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, with an expected 1.7 million new cases diagnosed each year. While it causes problems with your heart, eyes and kidneys, it also wreaks havoc in your mouth.
- It can cause a decrease in saliva, leading to an increase in cavities.
- The gums become inflamed, which leads to periodontal disease.
- If you have a mouth ulcer or lose a tooth, the healing is delayed.
- Low saliva flow causes bacteria to grow, putting you at risk for a fungal infection known as Oral Candidiasis.
If youÂ’re diabetic, make sure your dentist knows and considers this important health factor in your care.
