| Getting Older Tends to Hurt Tooth Enamel |
Our bodies are made to age as the years pass by, and our mouth and oral health are no exception. Our daily activities, including chewing and cleaning, often wear down the teeth. Years of mounting stains from drinks, food, and oral products begin to affect our teeth. You notice that the teeth look darker than they used to be.
Thinning of the Enamel
As you get older, the enamel, which is the protective layer of the teeth, becomes thinner while the dentin, which is the second layer of the teeth, gets thicker and darker. Since the enamel is thinning as you age, the dentin begins to show more and more. Our teeth are undoubtedly strong, but this doesn't mean they are indestructible. The years of exposure to elements like acids from foods we eat ultimately erode the enamel.
What About the Issue of Arthritis?
Older people are susceptible to arthritis. When arthritis attacks your hands and fingers, it becomes more difficult to observe your dental hygiene. You may not be able to brush and floss as thoroughly because of challenges of mobility or dexterity. As such, older people tend to build up plaque in their mouths. In the long run, their teeth and gums are harmed.
Diminishing Taste Sensation
As you age, your taste sensation diminishes. Also, certain medications may affect taste sensation and foods tend to taste bland. You realize that you add more sugar, spices, and salt to food or beverages to make them taste better. All of these are likely to impact the enamel.
Growing older causes the saliva production to reduce and a dry mouth makes you vulnerable to cavities and other dental infections.
Therefore, you need to see us regularly for checkups to protect your oral health.
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| Adults Can Receive Dental Sealants Too
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Dental sealants provide an effective way of protecting the teeth against further damage from acids and bacteria. They are usually implemented on the back molars where they protect the enamel of a tooth by creating a barrier against harmful elements like acids. Often, we think that sealants are only created for kids. The truth is that these preventive dental applications can also be beneficial to adults.
People who are vulnerable to premature tooth decay due to poor oral hygiene or maybe biological factors need to get sealants.
There is no age limit when it comes to the protection of teeth. No matter your age, the risk of decay is still there. Sealants do a great job of keeping teeth healthy regardless of the age of the individual who has them. It is common for adults who need to take extra care of their teeth to get sealants.
If you want to know more about sealants and their use, contact us.
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| Why Should I Have an In-Office Dental Cleaning? |
Dental visits are one of the activities we do not really look forward to, especially for those with cavities or other dental issues. However, this procedure is good for your teeth. An in-office dental cleaning can help kill bacteria on your teeth that cannot be reached through home care alone.
The process usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour. It involves rubbing and scraping away plaque, tartar, and bacteria with special instruments. This allows our dentist to detect any problem areas that may be present so they can be addressed and corrected immediately.
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film composed of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist or hygienist. Plaque and tartar can contribute to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. If you notice any signs of gum disease or cavities, it is a good idea to come in for an in-office teeth cleaning as soon as possible. Our dentist will ensure that all the plaque on your teeth has been eliminated.
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