Getting older can be quite wonderful, but that’s not to say it’s without its challenges. Over time, you may notice changes to your general health. Well, the same holds true with your dental health as the years go by. Seniors have some unique dental issues that they can face, and thankfully each dental problem can be addressed effectively by skilled Charleston cosmetic dentist John F. Rink, DDS and Araby Keith Ammons, DMD. Their team would like to take this opportunity to look at just a few dental problems that seniors may face.

One of the most common dental problems that seniors face is advanced tooth decay. As you age, tooth decay can mount over time, and small cavities that go untreated can take a major toll on your teeth. For these issues, fillings, dental bonding, inlays, and onlays are still great solutions.

Another major dental problem that seniors can face as they age is gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis can lead to bleeding gums, swollen gums, and receding gums as well. With gum recession comes added tooth sensitivity and the potential for tooth decay to occur beneath the gumline. (Gum recession is actually a problem that many people experience from middle age onward.) For this, there are plenty of soft tissue treatment options that we have available.

Related to tooth decay and gum disease, they can lead to major issues with the strength of your teeth. As you age, your teeth may become brittle or weak over time, and with gum recession and decay, the chances of tooth loss increase as well. After losing a tooth or many teeth, you may find it difficult to eat certain foods and your appearance will be affected as well. For missing teeth, dentures, dental bridges, and Charleston dental implants can be a big help.

Dry mouth is actually another common problem that many seniors experience. This has a lot to do with the activity of the salivary glands as you get older. Saliva production can sometimes slow down, which can make it difficult to speak and eat. Dry mouth can also increase the rate or severity of tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping your mouth moist with water is a good idea for this issue.

There are many other dental problems that seniors face that we’d be happy to discuss with you in greater detail. For more information about dental care topics and dental health, please contact our Charleston cosmetic dentist today.