Seniors and Cosmetic Oral Care: Why It Matters

As we age, our bodies tend to come with an ever-growing set of health concerns. Aging impacts our dental health in numerous ways, but the idea that tooth loss is simply a natural part of aging comes with a lot of bad misconceptions attached to it. While we can’t avoid many problems as we age, some problems can be avoided, especially if we help reinforce preventative measures beforehand. But for those with already progressing health problems, getting cosmetic dental treatment can help you retain your health for years to come. With the help of your dentist, you have many options available to you with the help of cosmetic dental treatments. 

How Age-Related Oral Health Problems Can Be Prevented

Many studies go into the nature of how our oral health problems increase as we age. Within these studies, they often refer to the impact that decreasing hormones have on the immune system, how nutritional deficiencies can lead to bone deficiencies, and how oral bacteria can increase in the elderly due to aspects related to memory, cognition, and poor oral care. To combat these issues, many dentists work to provide resources for their patients to help prevent the onset of these problems from either arriving or becoming worse in the future. 

As simple as the solution may sound, poor oral health often also occurs to a lack of access to those vital resources, as there are many financial, environmental, and biological factors that affect the aging process and, in turn, our oral health. These factors include genetics determining health concerns such as enamel strength and root development, environmental factors such as smoking, drinking, poor diets, and lack of exercise, and most of all, financial concerns that determine the development of these conditions, such as dental insurance costs, treatment costs, and lower incomes. 

However, without addressing your oral health now, the conditions you face can become worse, leading to problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, and eventual tooth loss. Cosmetic treatments can help place a priority on those aging about their dental health and help prevent those problems from becoming worse. 

Types of Cosmetic Dental Treatments For Seniors

Cosmetic dental treatments can help tackle these issues early on before they become worse and can improve one’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Some treatments seniors can use to improve their oral health include: 

• Cosmetic Bonding: Cosmetic bonding help reshape the tooth back to health and help protect weakened enamel from decay.
• Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers offer a protective cover for the front teeth, improving the tooth’s shape and color tooth while also filling in gaps, creating a fuller smile,
• Dental Bridges: Dental bridges can be used to fill up the missing space and is especially useful for those who don’t want extensive, invasive work done. 
• Dental Implants: Seniors with healthy bone health can use implants to replace missing teeth and maintain their jawbone health. 

Better access to oral health care must be possible for seniors. If you or a loved one needs oral care, make sure to schedule an appointment with your local dentist to learn more.

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