Should Your Approach To Preventive Care Change As You Age?

Hopefully, your current oral care routine has been consistent and thorough enough to keep you safe against cavities. Through a sensible, low-sugar diet and daily efforts to brush and floss effectively, you can stop the potential buildup of plaque and tartar and avoid issues that result in restorative dental work. While this can give you confidence in your smile health today, will your routine continue to be enough as you age? Will you have to worry about decay, tooth loss, or other issues in later years? The right approach to smile care can have long-term benefits, and help you keep a healthy smile even as you age. Your Allen, TX dentist’s office provides care to patients of all ages, which includes support through encouragement and advice to help you remain in good dental health through the years.

Will A Person’s Age Affect Their Ability To Prevent Cavities?

A person’s relative risk for tooth decay and other dental problems can be affected by the work they already put toward protecting their smile. Enamel erosion, past issues with tooth decay, and problems with gum disease over time may have long-term impacts on your health. Even though cavities can be restored with permanent dental fillings and dental crowns, you should remember that they cause irreversible harm to your enamel. Erosion can be sped up if you consume a diet that is high in sugar and/or acidic foods, if you brush too aggressively, or if you grind your teeth. Gum disease can be a problem because the condition can grow serious without proper treatment, leading to an increased risk for tooth loss among other concerns.

Can My Age Affect My Risk For Tooth Loss?

Complications from gum disease lead to more adult tooth loss than any other condition. If you have successfully protected yourself against periodontal disease through the years, you can be less likely to experience tooth loss at a later date. To protect yourself effectively, make sure you thoroughly clean your teeth, particularly at your gum line. While you can receive professional cleanings at your dentist’s office, it is important to practice good habits every day to consistently avoid problems.

Will The Appearance Of My Teeth Change Over Time?

The gradual buildup of stains, wear and tear, and enamel erosion may lead to cosmetic changes as you age. Teeth stains can be controlled through good hygiene and smart eating habits, but they can be difficult to completely avoid. It may take a professional teeth whitening treatment to deal with them. Erosion and wear and tear can cause esthetic concerns that call for other cosmetic dental treatments.

Allen Family Dental Helps Patients Of All Ages Show Off Healthy, Lovely Smiles!

At Allen Family Dental, our practice is proud to help patients maintain their oral health through consistent preventive care, as well as restorative treatment when called for. In order to find out more about us, please call our Allen, TX dentist’s office at (469) 342-6644.