Senior Dental Care East Berlin PA

Age Brings Changes In Senior Dental Care Treatment

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

It's an indisputable fact - our bodies change as we get older and so does our need for dentistry. These changes take different forms in different people, depending on our inherited physical traits, our lifestyle and nutritional habits, and our medical conditions.

Age brings changes in oral health and your need for dental care, too. There are some specific areas where seniors need to pay close attention to protect and extend their oral health.

• Tooth Color: Plaque is an invisible layer of bacteria that forms on our teeth, and can trap stains at any age. But as we get older, plaque builds up more quickly and is harder to remove. At the same time, the tissue that lies underneath the tooth enamel, called "dentin," is changing, and those changes can make teeth appear darker. Finally, decades of consuming coffee, tea, or tobacco leave stains that build up over time. Daily brushing and flossing are important, particularly first thing in the morning and just before bed, to combat the plaque that builds up overnight. You may also want to consult your dentist about using commercial rinses that remove plaque.
  
  
• Dry Mouth: Many seniors experience a reduced flow of saliva, sometimes as a side effect of medications such as painkillers or decongestants. For some, the lack of moisture inside the mouth can lead to sore throats, a burning sensation, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing. In addition, if you leave dry mouth unattended, it can damage teeth, since saliva's natural rinsing keeps bacteria washed away from teeth and gums. Sugar-free chewing gum and hard candy will stimulate natural saliva, and artificial saliva and oral rinses will provide much-needed relief. Ask your dentist which commercial products are the best for you.
  
• Cavities: If your gums begin to recede, the portion of the tooth that used to be below the gum line is now exposed. Roots are softer than tooth surfaces and are susceptible to decay; they are also likely to be sensitive to hot and cold beverages and food. Most people over age 50 suffer from some form of dental care disease. Make sure you take good care of teeth and gums with daily brushing and flossing. A word of caution: your gums may be starting to thin. Brush thoroughly but gently to keep from tearing your gums.
  
• Fillings: Your fillings are getting older, too. They can weaken or crack, or your tooth may decay around the edges of the filling. As a result, bacteria can seep into your tooth, causing more decay. Regular check-ups will give your dentist the chance to keep an eye on your existing fillings.
  
• Gum Disease: Daily cleaning and good nutrition are critical for healthy gums. When gums become infected and diseased, they set off a chain reaction that can result in losing teeth or weakening the jawbone. Either condition creates more problems for your health and increases your medical costs. Contact your dentist if your gums become red or begin to bleed.
  
• Good Nutrition: What you put into your mouth has a direct impact on the health of your mouth -- and the health of the rest of your body. As you age and your lifestyle changes, keep your nutritional goals in mind. Balanced meals are one the best ways you can contribute to your own good health.
  
• Regular Exams: The dentist will check your mouth, teeth, and jaw for any problems. You should also mention any sores, swelling, or pain you might be experiencing. Regular checkups enable the dentist to spot problems early. Early resolution of problems will help you keep your natural teeth.

Good dental care, regular check-ups, and good nutrition are the keys to really keep you smiling in your golden years!

Above FAQs from: www.1stdentalcare.com

East Berlin Smiles 

Tel: 717-259-9596

418 West King Street

East Berlin, PA 17316

USA

Interesting Dental Facts

Super Fun Dental Facts

32% of Americans cite bad breath as the least attractive trait of their co-workers.

38.5 total days an average American spends brushing teeth over lifetime.

73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.

32% of Americans cite bad breath as the least attractive trait of their co-workers.

60% of people who don’t know that a sore jaw, when combined with chest pain, can signal a heart attack-especially in women

38.5 = the total days an average American spends brushing teeth over a lifetime.

73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.

Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least six (6) feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.

A toothpick is the object most often choked on by Americans.

Every year, kids in North America spend close to half a billion dollars on chewing gum

The number of cavities in the average mouth is down and people are keeping their teeth longer. People, on average, have healthier mouths than even 10 years ago. Specifically:

• The decline in tooth decay was greatest among kids but holds across every age group.
• Only 40% of young people age 6 to 19 had ever in their lives had cavities. That’s down from 50% a decade ago.
• Over the last ten years the proportion of people age 60 who’d lost all their teeth had decreased from 33% to 25%.
• Use of dental sealants, which block tooth decay on the chewing surfaces of kids’ vulnerable molars, was up 64%. 30% of kids had had at least one sealed tooth.
• Adults with post-high-school degrees had an average of three more teeth than those without a high school diploma.
• Smokers remain three times more likely than non-smokers to lose all their teeth. This figure has not changed from a decade ago.
• Socio-economic status plays a definite role in one’s general and dental health….33% of low-income adults have untreated decay. This compared with 16% of middle- and higher-income adults. 19% of kids living in poverty have untreated decay compared with 8% of wealthier kids. CDC & ADA 1/06

Above dental facts from: www.starsmilez.com

East Berlin Smiles 

Tel: 717-259-9596

418 West King Street

East Berlin, PA 17316

USA

Dentist East Berlin PA - Cosmetic, Family, Childrens Dentistry

Children's Dentist East Berlin PA

Children's Dental Health is SO Important!

Children’s dentistry is very different from adult dentistry. Many people had unpleasant experiences at the dentist when they were growing up. We want to ensure that sort of thing does not happen with our young patients. We are proud to have a staff to treat our younger patients with the understanding and compassion they need. Helping children form healthy oral habits and making their visits to the dentist a fun experience will be the foundation of a lifetime of dental health.

We believe good children’s dentistry is about more than just regular dental visits. Our job is to educate parents on good dental habits that lead to healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

East Berlin Smiles Dental Office in East Berlin PA provides a full range of dental care services for children.  Visit our main web site to learn more about our dental treatment services in East Berlin PA.