Common tooth problems as you age

As people grow older, they start getting worried about their health. They go for regular health check-ups, get careful about what they eat, take up some form of exercise, etc. But how many of the elderly consider going to the dentist regularly? According to the American Cancer Society, “there are about 35,000 cases of mouth, throat and tongue cancer diagnosed each year. The average age of most people diagnosed with these cancers is 62.” This just goes to show that dental care for the elderly is, as important, as any other kind of medical care. 

Many of the elderly are unaware of the numerous dental problems they could face as they grow older. Some of them are:

Cavities

People associate cavities with young children. If they have strong, healthy teeth as children and adults, they assume that their teeth will stay strong all their lives. But that is not true. As people age, the amount of nutrients that their body absorbs lessens, and this makes them prone to infections. 

As you age, the space between the teeth becomes more. Food gets caught between the teeth and if this food isn’t cleaned out, it will attract bacteria and this could cause gum infection. If not treated in time, it would cause a cavity and maybe even loss of teeth.

Gum disease

There are a couple of reasons that the elderly are prone to gum disease. One is that their bodies are weaker than that of younger people and their immunity is less. So, a small infection could cause a major problem. The other one is as explained above, is the debris left between the teeth, which could give rise to infections affecting the gum and weakening it.

Rickets

This is also associated with young children, but can be an elderly dental ailment as well. It is caused by lack of Vitamin C, phosphate and calcium and could result in loss of teeth. The elderly should increase their intake of these nutrients as they age to ensure that their bones and teeth stay strong.

Mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers can be painful and you could have difficulty eating anything sour or spicy. Mouth ulcers are a sign of something wrong with your health, and your dentist could be able to detect what the underlying cause is, and advice you on what kind of medical treatment to take. 

Mouth Cancer

Oral cancer is another quiet but dangerous problem if proper dental care is not taken regularly. Mouth cancer could affect the gums, the lips, the tongue or the sides of the mouth. If you go to a dentist regularly, many types of cancer can be detected early and treatment can be started immediately, thereby decreasing the chance of it getting worse. 

Some symptoms of oral cancer could be:

• Sore patches in the inner lining of your mouth, gums or tongue
• Patchy redness on the side of your mouth
•  Sores on your lips

Many of the symptoms are invisible and do not cause any pain in the early stages. If you visit a dentist regularly, these problems can be detected early and the right treatment can be given.

Some tips on dental care for the elderly

• See a dentist regularly
• Brush your teeth twice a day and if possible after every meal, and floss well
• Use lip balms to avoid chapped lips
• Drink lots of water as older people get dehydrated faster and the mouth produces less saliva, leading to sores
• Take necessary supplements that your body needs to keep your teeth and gums healthy

Tooth cavities: Ensure that your child doesn't face this problem

Tooth cavities form in children because of poor oral hygiene. In some cases, cavities are hereditary; it is also seen more in people of certain ethnicities. Oral hygiene starts from infancy. Many parents are unaware that infants too need their mouth and tongue cleaned regularly to prevent the likelihood of infections. If poor dental hygiene starts at infancy itself, the chances of the gum becoming weak, and therefore, more prone to cavities later in life is a possibility. 

Taking care of your infant’s oral hygiene

Whether breast feeding or using a formula, it is important to clean the baby’s mouth after a feed. Use a wet piece of soft cloth or cotton to wipe the tongue and gums. When children start teething, they’re still too small to use a toothbrush. Though toothbrushes for infants are available, you could just wipe the teeth with a wet cloth till they are a bit older.

Oral care for older children

Children eat and drink a lot of foodstuff that are sweet. From a young age, encourage them to brush their teeth twice daily. They should also brush their teeth after eating or drinking anything sweet, for complete oral care. It is better, not to wait for your kids to get old enough to brush their own teeth before starting teeth and gum care. If they’re too young to brush their own teeth, you can brush their teeth for them. Soon, they will learn to brush effectively on their own. Make sure that the bristles on their brush are soft as their gums will still be tender.

Many people are not aware of the fact that oral hygiene starts in infancy. They feel that children need to start brushing their teeth only after losing their baby teeth and when new teeth forms. This is a common misconception and completely wrong. By the time your child loses the milk teeth, irreparable damage may have already been done to the gums.

When should children start flossing?

The importance of flossing cannot be overstressed. Flossing may not be necessary for very small children. Washing their mouth out well should be enough as long as they’re on soft or semi soft foods. Once they start eating solid food, they should be taught to floss. Again, the parent can help them with the flossing till they are able to do it on their own.

Regular dental visits

A large percentage of people are unaware of when they should start taking their child to a dentist. Dental visits should start as early as possible. Your pediatrician will probably be able to advise you on when to start going to the dentist. Regular dental appointments ensure that your child’s teeth stays free of infections and this will prevent cavities. If there is any kind of infection, it can be caught and addressed immediately. Don’t wait for your child to have a tooth ache or some kind of dental problem before fixing to visit the dentist.

Some important do’s and don’ts for oral hygiene

1. Make sure that your child brushes their teeth at least twice a day.
2. Don’t let your infant go to sleep with their feeding bottle in their mouth.
3. Don’t let your child have sugary foods just before going to sleep.
4. Don’t let your child overindulge in sweets and sweetened drinks.
5. Make sure that you take your child for regular dental visits.
6. Set an example for your child by following all these steps yourself.

Cavities are caused by bacteria that attack the food that is left in the mouth. This turns into an infection and causes cavities. Fight the bacteria by being careful with your dental hygiene, and your child will have sparkling white, strong teeth.

Facts and myths about cavities

Cavities are dental caries that cause damage to the tooth, resulting in tooth decay.  Here are some of the most common myths and facts about cavities most people are unaware of:

The only things that causes cavity is sugar

Myth: The main cause of cavities is acid producing bacteria inside the mouth. Decay can be instigated by any carbs you eat. This includes sugar as well as potatoes, rice, fruits, bread, and vegetables.

Kids are more susceptible to cavities than adults

Myth: Due to the presence of fluoride in tap water, decay in school-aged children has reduced by half in the past two decades. On the other hand, cavities in seniors are on the rise due to medicines that tend to make the mouth dry. They decrease saliva, which is known to protect your teeth.   

Acid can cause tooth decay

Fact: Acidic food items have the ability to break down the outer shell of your tooth, weaken it, and make it prone to decay. 

The bacteria that cause tooth decay generate acids inside the mouth. Consuming foods such as soda and juice can enhance that process. Hence, it’s important to follow healthy eating habits.

Aspirin helps a toothache when placed next to the tooth

Myth: Aspirin needs to be swallowed if you want it to work. Since it is acidic, it can burn your gum tissue and may also cause an abscess if you put it next to your tooth.

You’ll know as soon as you have a tooth cavity

Myth: When you see a tooth cavity it has normally spread to a great extent. To avoid such instances, it is best to undergo routine dental screening. With regular checkups, your dental expert can find a cavity before it may cause damage.

All Fillings have to be replaced

Myth: There is no life expectancy to filings, but it may depend on things such as oral hygiene and tooth wear. If you keep good oral habits then you become less likely to have dental problems, and your fillings also last longer.

Decay stops once a tooth is treated 

Fact: As soon as you get your cavity filled, the decay spot gets removed. From here on forward, if you take good care of your teeth, the decay from the filled spot will certainly stay clear.  

Grinding and clenching can create cavities

Myth: As mentioned above, cavities are mainly caused by acid-producing bacteria. However, grinding and clenching are some of the worst things that you can do to your teeth.

With normal chewing, our teeth tap for a tiny millisecond, which creates little stress. But grinding and clenching can put a lot of pressure on your teeth. The tension can eventually create fractures and cracks on your teeth, speeding up tooth decay. 

Cavities generally happen between the teeth

 Fact: Places where bacteria can hide or areas that are hard to clean with a floss or toothbrush are likely to cause decay. It is best to use a mouthwash to reach those tough spots.

Tips for safe tooth whitening

The booming teeth-whitening business has made dazzling smiles within everyone's reach. From DIY strips to in-office treatments, you have a variety of options for polishing up darkened or stained teeth. Fortunately, side effects aren't that common when you use over the counter products, but they may happen. Hence, before beginning a do-it-yourself teeth whitening routine, make sure you know how to keep your teeth safe.

Talk to your dentist:

It is wise to get a mouth exam and professional cleaning before whitening your teeth at home. Your dentist will also check the over-all health of your gums and look for cavities during the examination. Treating any oral problem before the whitening procedure is good for your dental health.

You can also ask your dentist for advice on which over-the-counter treatment to use.

Be wise when shopping

At-home whitening agents contain peroxides in quantities ranging from 10 to 20%.Select a product that has a peroxide level anywhere in the middle of the aforementioned range. If the item doesn’t irritate your mouth but does not offer the shade you want, you can buy a higher level. However, it is best to show the product to your dentist to be on the safer side.

Do as instructed

Do not leave the gels or strips on longer than instructed -- you may end up with sore gums and other oral problems.  Also, few hours after whitening, avoid sports drinks, soda, or other acidic drinks to keep your teeth protected.

Protect sensitive teeth

Teeth have the tendency to become sensitive after undergoing whitening. However, sensitivity may be less if your teeth and gums are healthy. Remember, if whitening treatment aggravates gum irritability, stop the process right away and speak to your doctor.

Ill-fitted gel-filled trays that have to be worn like a mouth guard can also trouble your gums. Hence, be careful of the fitting. 

When to avoid teeth whitening?

Nursing and pregnant women should avoid teeth whitening. Also, patients with composite and porcelain bondings and dental crowns should avoid in-home teeth whitening. It is best to consult a professional to ensure there are no side effects or uneven smiles.

Avoid overdoing it:

How much is too much? If you get good results by following the instructions, a once-a-month session is normally enough. Once your teeth reach the whiteness you like, you will have to repeat the bleaching session twice a year.

There are a variety of teeth whitening products and systems including over-the-counter gels, whitening toothpastes, rinses, trays and strips, available in the market. Teeth whitening is perfect for those who have unrestored, healthy gums and teeth. People with yellow shades of teeth respond well, but this procedure is not advised for everyone. It is best to talk to your dentist before taking any step. It is also recommended to go for in-office treatment under the supervision of a professional rather than using DIY products. This ensures that your oral health remains intact and protected at all times. The best way to find out about professional teeth whitening procedures is to research online.

Signs you need to see an orthodontist

Most people see orthodontists as professionals who provide cosmetic treatments that help straighten teeth. However, their role in our lives is much larger. An orthodontist plays a very important part in rectifying crowded and crooked teeth, as well as under bites and overbites that can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.

When to see an orthodontist?

It is important to see an orthodontist if you have a question about the quality of your bite or the alignment of your teeth. At times, problem in these areas is painfully obvious. For instance, you may have a hard time chewing, biting, or speaking, or some of your teeth may be protruding, misplaced or crowded. If this is the case, then it is time to consult a specialist. An orthodontist has all the training and special skills needed to diagnose and treat such issues.

Clenching, mouth breathing, inability to close your lips comfortably, or grinding your teeth are also signs that orthodontic treatment is required. Likewise, if your jaw makes sounds as it moves, or if you feel your jaw is shifting positions, you may be facing an orthodontic problem.

Kids and orthodontics:

Experts recommend regular visits to an orthodontist after age 7, even if the child’s teeth are in perfect shape. This is because a youngster’s jaw is still developing and can be easily molded, if required. One fine example is treating a cross-bite. A palatal expander appliance can treat a child’s cross-bite effectively because the jaw is still growing. However, if left untreated, oral surgery may be required later to correct this condition.

There are several other problems that can also be rectified through timely orthodontic treatment. For example, late or early loss of baby teeth, tongue thrusting, persistent thumb sucking, and mouth breathing. If you see your child displaying any of such symptoms, it may be time for you to visit the office.

Adults:

Orthodontic treatments are successful at almost at any age — and in adults, compliance is usually not an issue. Moreover, with the availability of translucent ceramic brackets, clear aligners, and lingual braces, older people no longer have to shy away from the treatment. If the thought of metal braces clashing with your professional image worries you, make sure you ask for less-visible alternatives.

Of course, it is not only about looks. Teeth that are well aligned are also easier to maintain and clean, and less likely to undergo abnormal wear. A healthy bite keeps you from having trouble speaking and eating, and helps your projections stay healthy. However, before undergoing treatment, make sure the orthodontist you choose has the experience and qualification to handle your case. Do not settle for a clinic just because it’s close to your house or it offers attractive discounts. It is wiser to spend more money at a reputed orthodontist and enjoy healthy teeth for a lifetime than spending less on the treatment and regretting your decision for the rest of your life.