Although many of us dread our 6-month checkups at the dentist, dental health is a key aspect of overall wellness. Did you know that 1 out of every 5 adults over the age of 65 has already lost all of their natural teeth? Let’s look at how we can minimize our risk of dental problems as we age…
Certain health conditions may make a person more likely to have dental problems. According to the CDC, people who have diabetes, heart disease or COPD are more likely to develop periodontal disease. Certain medications may cause dry mouth, which makes a person more prone to cavities. Adults over the age of 65 are also more likely to have untreated cavities or tooth decay.
So, what can we do to improve our dental health? In addition to having annual dental checkups, make sure you are brushing and flossing at least twice a day, drinking plenty of water and using a toothpaste with fluoride.
If you have dentures, it is important to keep up with your dentist visits to make sure your dentures continue to fit correctly. Poorly fitting dentures can affect your nutrition as it may be difficult to eat with dentures that don’t fit correctly or are uncomfortable. Want to learn more ways to keep your dental health in check? Click here to learn more on dental health from the CDC.