We are so pleased with Dr. Balling and his staff. My elderly mom developed an abscess and needed to be seen right away. Jojo and Cathy were so caring and sympathetic, and fit my mom in to be seen the same day I called. Mom needs a wheelchair and Dr. Balling and his hygienist were very considerate of that and accommodating. I was so worried and stressed about my mom’s condition but Dr. Balling was kind, compassionate and has a wonderful bedside manner and sense of humor that brought levity to the situation and put me at ease right away. Mom was very comfortable with the doctor and the hygienist ( wish I had gotten her name!). Everyone is pleasant, professional and so caring at this practice. I was very impressed! I feel very grateful to have found a wonderful dental practice.
September is Healthy Aging Month. It’s a good reminder that taking care of yourself as you get older includes taking care of your smile.
Your dental needs can change with age. At Stratford Dental Center in Stratford, NJ, senior dentistry can help you respond to those changes and protect your oral health. Regular dental care can also help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.
Why Oral Health Matters as You Age
Your mouth plays an important role in your everyday life. Healthy teeth make it easier to chew the foods you enjoy. A great smile can also help you feel confident when talking with other people.
Oral health can affect overall health as well. Gum disease, for example, involves inflammation and infection in the mouth. Left untreated, gum disease can cause you to lose teeth. Infection can even spread elsewhere in the body. Gum disease has been linked to problems including heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is one part of taking care of your health as a whole.
Aging can also make oral care more challenging. Certain medications may affect your mouth. Changes in dexterity can make brushing or flossing more difficult. Your dentist can help you adjust your dental care as your needs change.
Common Dental Concerns for Older Adults
Gum disease becomes a greater concern with age. Early symptoms can include bleeding or swollen gums. Fortunately, gum disease can be treated. Outcomes are best when it’s detected early. That’s why regular exams – at least twice a year – are important. The right treatment approach will depend on how far the condition has progressed. Ongoing dental care can then help keep it under control.
Dry mouth is another concern for many seniors. It is often a side effect of medication. Without enough saliva, your mouth may feel uncomfortable and your risk of tooth decay can increase.
If dry mouth is bothering you, talk to your dentist. Treatment recommendations can help protect your teeth while making your mouth feel more comfortable.
Stay Ahead of Problems With Exams & Cleanings
Regular dental visits are important at every age. They can become especially valuable later in life.
Dental exams give your dentist an opportunity to spot changes in your mouth. Some problems are easier to treat when they’re found early. You may not always notice those problems on your own.
Professional cleanings also support healthy teeth and gums. Brushing at home removes plaque, but it can’t remove tartar once it has formed. A dental hygienist can remove these hardened deposits and clean areas that may be difficult for you to reach.
Restore Teeth That Need a Little Help
Years of everyday use can take a toll on your teeth. Old dental work can wear down as well. Restorative treatment can repair many of these problems.
If decay has created a cavity, a filling can restore the affected area. This allows the tooth to function normally again. A tooth with more significant damage may need a dental crown instead. The crown covers and protects the tooth. It can also restore a tooth that has become weakened over time.
Taking care of damaged teeth promptly can help preserve your smile. It may also prevent the need for more extensive treatment later.
Replace Teeth That Are Missing
Tooth loss can make chewing more difficult. It can also change how you feel about your smile. Senior dentistry offers several ways to replace missing teeth.
A dental bridge can fill a gap left by a missing tooth. It uses nearby teeth for support.
Dentures are another option. Depending on how many teeth you have lost, you may benefit from a partial or complete denture.
Dental implants provide a different approach. An implant is placed in the jaw and can support a replacement tooth. Your dentist can attach a crown, bridge, or even full dentures to implants. So you can use implants, no matter how many teeth you’ve lost.
There isn’t one tooth replacement that’s right for every patient. Your dentist can evaluate your mouth and discuss which approach makes sense for you.
Celebrate Healthy Aging With a Healthier Smile
Getting older doesn’t mean you have to accept ongoing dental problems or tooth loss. Preventive care can help protect your smile, while restorative treatment can address problems that have already developed.
Healthy Aging Month is a perfect opportunity to give your oral health some attention. If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, schedule an appointment with Stratford Dental Center in Stratford, NJ today by calling 856-595-0059. Senior dentistry can help you maintain a healthy smile as you age!