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How to Avoid Oral Care Issues Associated with Aging

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September is Healthy Aging Month, created to encourage people to focus on the positive parts of growing older. It’s also meant to encourage everyone to take charge of their lives and take personal responsibility to age healthily and happily — physically, socially, mentally, and financially. Carolyn Worthington, who came up with the idea for Healthy Aging Month over 25 years ago, says: “Act how you feel — instead of acting your age.” She also suggests focusing on the positive, surrounding yourself with energetic, happy people and smiling often. Speaking of smiling, maintaining (or improving) your oral health and appearance of your smile can make you healthier and happier. Here’s how:

Healthy teeth, healthy mind

According to a recent study, dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be linked to periodontal disease. This is an even bigger concern if your gum disease is advanced enough to cause tooth loss. So, take good care of those teeth and visit the dentist regularly.

Manage dry mouth

Salvia is the mouth’s major defense against tooth decay, and dry mouth can cause accelerated tooth decay, gum disease, oral sores and pain, and bad breath. The condition can be caused by over 500 different medications, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). If your medication dosage can’t be adjusted, dry mouth symptoms can easily be managed with help from a dental professional.

Eat right

A balanced diet helps your body build and repair itself, avoid illness, and function at its best. In general, food that is great for your overall health is equally great for your teeth and gums. But there are some specific foods that support oral health – and others that you’ll want to avoid for your smile’s sake.

Cosmetic care isn’t just for kids

A bright, attractive smile makes you look and feel younger. If you’re not happy with the way your teeth look, talk to a dentist. New treatments can transform your smile, and make you feel confident. Dental restorative treatments can also enhance your health by making it easier to eat healthy foods, keep your teeth clean (avoiding decay and gum disease) and even encourage you to socialize more.

Take good care of you

Oral health issues that have been associated with aging, such as decay, tooth loss and gum disease can, for the most part, be prevented with consistent dental care and an at-home hygiene routine that addresses the needs of older adults, such as:
• Periodontal disease (severe gum disease)
• Tooth loss
• Bone loss (typically due to gum disease or missing teeth)
• Weakened, loose or fragile teeth
• Tissue inflammation caused by dentures
• Oral fungus (also known as thrush)

The good news is that modern dentistry can keep teeth and gums healthy throughout your life. And while dental care is expensive, there are solutions, such as dental savings plans – also known as dental discount plans — that can greatly reduce the cost of dental treatment. The ADA notes that these plans can be a big help for retired seniors. Dental savings plans help make quality dental care affordable, with discounts of 10-60% on dental care from a nationwide network of dentists. Compare plans in your area here.

Let’s see what you can save.

See how quickly your dental savings plan can pay for itself. We automatically add preventive care.

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