Once you pass your 50th birthday you begin to notice some changes in your body. Your metabolism runs a little slower so you can’t eat like you used to. Body parts that you never thought much about start to twinge or ache.  This is also a time where we notice some oral health changes. If you have been brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist regularly your teeth are probably still very healthy. Things to keep an eye on when you’ve past your 50th birthday include: dry mouth, weakened bones, crowding of teeth,  burning mouth syndrome and suspicious sores.

Dry mouth is usually a side effect to medication. Hundreds of prescription and over the counter medications ranging from antidepressants to antihistamines can cause saliva production to slow. Dry mouth is not only uncomfortable it can lead to tooth decay. Our saliva is constantly bathing our teeth and washing away the bacteria that cause tooth decay. If your saliva production has slowed it is important to keep your mouth moist. Sip water often, chew sugarless gum to promote saliva production or suck on sugarless candy. Ask your dentist about artificial saliva substitutes  if your dry mouth is severe. Sjogren’s Syndrome can also be a reason for dry mouth.

As we age our bones may weaken due to osteoporosis. Because our teeth are anchored into our jaw bone this weakened state can affect your smile as well. The National Institutes of Health found that older women with osteoporosis are more likely to lose teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth and can even help keep your jawbone healthy. Even people with healthy bones can develop crowded teeth as they get older. That once straight, beautiful smile can become jumbled, leaving teeth that are difficult to clean. Dental veneers and crowns can be used to create “instant orthodontics” giving you back your perfect smile.

Any sore in your mouth that doesn’t go away in two weeks should be considered suspicious. Oral cancers affect over 30,000 Americans each year and the numbers are increasing. Oral cancers used to be seen mostly in smokers or people who smoked and drank alcohol, today that statistic is changing.  An oral cancer screening is an important part of your dental examination.

Burning mouth syndrome may affect women during menopause. The condition which makes the inside of your mouth feel like it is on fire may be caused by a drop in estrogen. Your physician and your dentist can work together to put out the fire.

Please contact StoneRidge Dental Care today at 614-476-6696 today to schedule your next appointment. We’ll help keep your teeth healthy for your next 50 years!