Teeth problems are caused throughout the lifetime but after 50 its starts going southwards. Tooth issues are generally very painful issues and precaution for prevention is always a good idea. Also, 50 plus is an age when everything other than health is secondary. So, let us run through some of the tooth problems that commonly occur in the 50’s and care to be taken in order to avoid the same.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is often a result of medications. As people grow older, the number of medications also increase hence resulting into dry mouth problems. Sometimes it could occur due to an accidental blow to the head or smoking addictions due to damage to salivary glands. The symptoms of dry mouth include dry throat, issues swallowing, dry and cracked lips. It may also cause bad breadth and trouble with swallowing food.
Care – Sipping water throughout the day for stimulating saliva production is a good remedy for dry mouth. Alternatively, you may also sugar free xylitol chewing gum or candy. Over the counter formulations are also available and could on the advice and prescription of your Dentist.
Tooth Decay
While many of us may presume that cavities are only a problem of the sunny days, apparently we’re not aware enough. Cavities can occur even after 50 years. The roots of your teeth turn softer as well as are even more exposed once you cross the golden jubilee mark. So, they are more prone to tooth decay not only on the surface of the teeth but also affect the root and over old fillings.
Care – Flouride is a simple solution to the problem called cavities. Be it children or adults, is works alike for both and is known to be one of the top 10 dental health measures. In India people do not drink fluorinated water, like Americans do. Hence, it is advisable that you do a fluoride rinse after brushing daily. Alternatively, you may also ask your dentist to prescribe you some flouride prescription gel.
Gingivitis/ Gum Disease
Gingivitis is a first stage of gum disease and needs and needs early intervention or it can progress further into bone loss and eventually loss of teeth. The symptoms of gum disease include red and swollen gums that bleed easily.
Care – Follow your routine teeth care and visit your dentists regularly for oral check-up and cleaning.
Tooth Crowding
As per the X-president of American association of Orthodontists, our teeth shift as we age. This makes it difficult to clean the teeth increasing the risk of tooth decay. Additionally, it also increases the risk of periodontal disease that could lead to a loss of teeth.
Care – Meet your dentist to find out if your teeth have actually shifted. The dentist may suggest refitting them with a spacer, retainer or braces as well. It is advisable to do a regular visit to your dentist to check on the shifting part and even regular cleaning.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is ranks in the top three cancers in India as per a research paper published in Journal of Cancer Epidemiology in 2012. As you age the risk of oral cancer only increases. The people who are addicted to smoking and drinking often are at a greater risk of the same. The discovery of Human Papilloma virus has also added to the cause of oral cancer.
Care – Mortality rate for those suffering from oral cancer is very low. If detected at an early stage then the survival rate is upto 5 years or so. Hence, it’s advisable to do a checkup for oral cancer regularly.
*Sourced from the Internet