Experts reveal six tips to prevent tooth loss in aging adults

Lose one’s teeth is more common as we age, due to periodontitisDecree, general wear and tear, and other health related problems.

This is particularly true for adults over the age of 60, according to experts. Factors such as declining gums, dry mouth and limited mobility can make more difficult for the elderly to maintain good oral health, while the loss of teeth in the elderly has also been linked to a higher risk of dementia.

Most adults have 32 teeth, but people aged 65 and over have an average of 20., The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says.

But, is this spell inevitable?

There are preventive measures that people can take to keep the mouths healthy and happy smiles. Here is what experts advise …

Save the health of gum

The best thing you can do is keep Brush and treat teeth At least twice a day. Brushing is recommended every 12 hoursUsing fluoride toothpaste and a soft -haired toothbrush.

But not to pinch! A life of Brushing can cause reversing gums. Although bad oral hygiene can cause gum disease, such as gingivitis.

About two out of three adults over 65 are faced with gum disease, according to the non -profit organization Aarpe.

“The gum disease begins when the bacteria that contain the plate strengthen on your teeth and your gums,” Vera Tang, dentist and clinical assistant teacher for parodontology and implant dentistry at the Nyu College of Dentistry, said organization. “When it is not removed, it produces toxins that ignited the gums. Over time, which destroys your gum tissues, which makes it separate from your tooth and form of spaces called pockets.”

Stop dry

This condition is more common with age, and hundreds of drugs lighten the dry mouth as a side effect.

The salivary glands of the mouth do not produce enough saliva to keep your mouth damp. However, the body is based on saliva to wash the plate. Without that, eating and drinking is difficult and it increases your risk of gum disease and dental caries.

New cavities can start to form as little as three months after the dry mouth start, according to the Harvard Medical School.

But, you can moisten a dry mouth by Chewing gum without sugar And suck sugar -free candy. Staying hydrating can also help, as well as the limitation of alcoholic and cavity drinks.

There are also over -the -counter artificial saliva products.

“If you take medication, it’s a good idea to transport a bottle of water. Drinking water throughout the day will help you keep hydrated and reduce your probability of developing cavities “,” Penn Dental Family Practice advises.

Keep the healthy diet

Keeping your body healthy is also linked to the health of your mouth.

Too many candies and acidic products Can cause dental disintegration, including sodas and fruit juices. While a Well balanced diet With fruits, vegetables, lean meat, dairy products and whole grains keep the gums, teeth, mouth and jaw.

Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can strengthen your teeth, like green leafy vegetables.

For diabetes, uncontrolled blood sugar can damage blood vessels and inflammation of oral infection can increase body resistance to insulin.

“There is growing evidence of an association between genres inflammation and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, brain vascular accidents and respiratory problems, which are all more widespread in later life. Scientists postulate that bacteria of gum infections travel through blood circulation to trigger inflammation in organs and tissues at distant sites, ” The Harvard Medical School explains.

Stop drinking and smoking

Smoking is a risk factor in gum disease, Although drinking alcohol can also increase the dry mouth.

Both also increase the risk of mouth cancer, which increases with age.

The majority of people with mouth -related cancer are tobacco consumers, and men are much more likely to be assigned than women.

Regular controls can help detection, as symptoms can be elusive.

“You should see an oral specialist if you notice a white or red patch that lasts more than two weeks, especially if it is on your lip, your tongue or the bottom of the mouth,” said Harvard.

Explore financial options

Dental care can be expensive – especially if you don’t have insurance. This is the case for half of adults over 65, according to A 2020 poll from the University of Michigan.

The survey also revealed that one of the adults interviewed did not go to the dentist for preventive care, such as cleaning, for at least a year.

Do not follow your dental health may require more expensive work, with aggravated problems as we age.

Since Medicare does not cover routine preventive care or most procedures, people should consider buying dental coverage via AARP, Harvard said.

Restoration of your appearance can help

Porcelain facets can restore the vitality and physical quality of your teeth.

Gum transplant or surgery can also help.

“It is not only a question of revitalizing the teeth – it is a question of revitalizing the person,” said Dr. David Frey, an aesthetic dentist of your perfect smile in Beverly Hills, California, Digital Fox News.