The connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body, or vice-versa, has become a well-established concept these days. September is National Healthy Aging Month, highlighting how this relationship becomes increasingly important as we age, and dental care actually becomes a more critical part of our overall health because of its health impacts. At our dental office in Johns Creek, some of the most special smiles belong to our more mature patients. We’re always happy that they have chosen to make maintaining their oral health with Dentistry of Johns Creek a priority, as the changes associated with getting older and wiser each year can have direct impacts on oral health.
Dry Mouth
We are fortunate to live in a world where we have access to medications to help treat a myriad of illnesses and conditions. However, while both prescription and over-the-counter medications can assist you in managing health issues, they also can cause oral health issues. Most often, this evidences in the form of a reduction in saliva production, which can cause dry mouth. And it affects older dental patients in greater numbers than others. In fact, an estimated 30 percent of America’s population over 65 suffers from dry mouth (which could correlate with a greater incidence of medication consumption). In addition to being simply an uncomfortable condition, the dry mouth has been found to contribute to a significant increase in tooth decay and even progress to gum disease. And it also can contribute to yellowing and staining of your teeth – one of the primary indicators of aging teeth – because residue on your teeth from dark foods and beverages doesn’t get washed away by the natural action of saliva.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is dangerous for everyone, and due to its progressive nature tends to develop more frequently in the age 40+ population. Statistics indicate that 25% of person age 65+ shows symptoms of gum disease, which can contribute to serious overall health problems including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The factors most commonly responsible for increasing the chance of developing gum disease include:
- Poor Diet
- Inadequate oral hygiene routine
- Smoking
- Medication
Gum disease can be largely reversible, but it’s crucial to catch it early before permanent gum bone damage occurs. This makes regular appointments at Dentistry of Johns Creek even more important for more mature set.denti
Existing Conditions
Dr. Shackelford says that as we age keeping up with preventative dental care and regular dental appointments is as important as maintaining preventative medical care. Because the existence of certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer can affect your oral health, we recommend discussing all your general health issues with our dentists. That way you will receive the best comprehensive treatment and be sure we are aware of, and accommodate any special needs. No matter what your age, call and schedule an appointment at our conveniently located dental office in the heart of Johns Creek, GA., serving patients living in Suwanee, Alpharetta, Milton, Duluth, Cumming, Gwinnett and the north Atlanta area for your preventative care exam and cleaning. We always are happy to see you!
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