Aging Mouth? Ask Your Dentist These 4 Questions
January 12, 2018
Though it’s important to talk to your dentist at every age, a few issues are of primary concern for people over age 55. After all, the body continues to change with each decade of life, and your teeth and gums do, too. What should you talk about the next time you visit your dentist? Consider opening a discussion about any of these topics.
- Why Are My Teeth Getting More Sensitive? A top complaint among aging adults is tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and even sugary foods and beverages. This isn’t an unusual phenomenon, but it’s worth bringing up because it could be a symptom of gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease. In most cases, switching to a different toothbrush and toothpaste can alleviate the tingling and discomfort of tooth sensitivity caused by gum recession and tenderness.
- Are My Medications Going to Affect My Dental Health? Have you recently added pharmaceuticals to your daily routine per a doctor’s order? Be sure to update your dentist immediately. Certain medications can cause a host of problems, from dry mouth to increased tooth sensitivity. The more your dental provider knows, the more he or she can help you understand your options.
- Should I Replace My Missing Teeth? Perhaps you’ve had a missing tooth for many years, or you might just be in need of an extraction. In either case, it’s worth talking about dental implants in Naperville, IL, at your provider of choice. Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth. Not only do they complete your smile, but they allow you to reduce the risk of bone loss, gum disease, and other problems related to tooth loss.
- Do I Need to Start Coming to the Dentist More Often? Although most people can expect to maintain a twice-yearly dental visit arrangement, you may have mitigating factors such as gum disease that require more appointments. Most dentists will be happy to help you map out a convenient schedule to keep you on track and allow you to avoid dental-related surprises.
Remember that your relationship with your dentist is a partnership. When you have a question, be sure to speak up to ensure you have all the information you need.