When we are younger, most of us worry only about cavities. As we get older, the chance of cavities, or dental caries, decreases. That does not mean, however, that we can stop paying attention to our teeth and gums. This is because, today, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and without a regular dental examination and periodontal evaluation, potentially serious conditions such as gingivitis can remain undetected until extensive treatment is needed. Of even more concern is the recently discovered link between severe periodontal, or gum, disease and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in humans.

As we get older, our entire system is less tolerant and less forgiving. If we neglect our dental health, it will eventually become difficult to chew our food, and that in turn, can lead to poor digestion and nutritional problems.

For many of us, arthritis can also be a problem as we age, often making it difficult to keep up with our home care. If your hands ache and holding a toothbrush or manipulating dental floss in your mouth is awkward for you, you may be tempted to slack off when it comes to brushing and flossing. But it is even more important for you to maintain your dental care routine now to prevent problems in the future.

Don't let your oral health suffer. Just because you are getting older doesn't mean you have to lose your teeth. A healthy mouth can be yours for a lifetime if you work at it. Any of our doctors at Simply Beautiful Smiles will be happy to design a home care plan for you. Simply call our office on 02 47 311 599 to schedule a visit.