Healthy teeth can brighten your day
Edited by James Nesti, D.M.D.
As we get older, we notice the effects of aging—wrinkles, graying hair, and a variety of aches and pains that we didn’t have before. The mouth also is affected by advancing age, undergoing both subtle and sometimes pronounced changes. Understanding these changes and what can be done about them is important to maintaining good oral health and overall health A majority of adults are affected by some form of gum (periodontal) disease. It is a major cause of tooth loss among adults and is now associated with heart disease. The culprit that causes such destruction is bacteria, which thrive on the sugars and starches in foods you eat. Bacteria create toxins, which irritate the gums and other systems in your body. Slowly, and often without pain, the gums detach from the teeth if the condition is not treated. In addition, the supporting bone may dissolve, causing the teeth to become loose. This condition may require surgical treatment of the gums or removal of teeth. Tooth loss can affect your ability to chew food, get proper nutrition, and your ability to stay healthy.
Brushing and flossing are the most important prevention along with proper nutrition. But regular dental visits are important regardless of whether or not you have your natural teeth. Checking the condition of your teeth is just one of the many functions your dentist performs.
Although daily brushing and flossing help remove plaque and early tartar formation, once tartar has hardened, it can only be removed by a dental professional. Some people form tartar faster than others and may need to have their teeth cleaned more often.
Besides finding and treating existing dental problems, your dentist also looks for signs of other health problems such as oral cancer. Many oral cancers are treatable if they are discovered early. So, alert your dentist to any sores, swellings, or discolorations that you find on your tongue, lips, cheek, throat, jawbone, or salivary glands. Because the majority of oral cancers occur in people over age 45, regular dental check-ups are important. Other medical conditions often have symptoms that first appear in the mouth.
Good oral hygiene not only helps to keep your teeth but also helps with your overall health. Poor oral hygiene can affect your entire body.
Dr. Nesti is a general dentist in Pittsfield and past president of the Massachusetts Dental Society. Parts of this article were provided by Massachusetts Dental Society.
