As you age, your teeth, gums, and mouth will age with you, and you may experience dental health and oral hygiene issues different from those you may have experienced in earlier years. At Lionville Family Dentistry, we offer senior dentistry to help you take care of your smile and ensure that your teeth, gums, and supporting tissues remain healthy during the later stages of your life. To learn more about senior dentistry in Exton, Pennsylvania, and to make an appointment with Dr. Ted Grossman, please call our office at 610-363-6660.
When you visit our office for your regular dental appointments, our experienced dentist and team will perform a complete exam of your mouth. This exam will include checking your bite, teeth, gums, and soft tissues. We will also check the condition of any oral appliances that you use, such as dentures, to ensure that they are functioning properly.
There are also a number of common problems that you may face, as you age, including:
- Dry mouth – saliva helps protect your tooth enamel from the bacteria that cause decay. Dry mouth is a common side effect of infection, medications, and tobacco use. By staying hydrated, brushing frequently, and chewing sugarless gum, you can minimize the effect of dry mouth on your oral health. Our dentist may also recommend other preventive measures to deal with dry mouth.
- Discolored teeth – teeth darken and become stained over time. Our dentist can provide you with our teeth whitening options and give you tips on keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy to minimize discoloring.
- Gum disease – our dentist and team will check for gum disease at each appointment. Gum disease has been linked to a number of other medical conditions, and can be devastating to your oral health, your smile, and your overall wellbeing. If we diagnose you with gum disease, we will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
- Tooth decay – older adults tend to develop more cavities. We strongly encourage you to visit Lionville Family Dentistry regularly for dental cleanings and exams, and to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home.
- Tooth loss – in addition to marring your smile and causing oral health problems, tooth loss causes bone degeneration, sagging facial muscles, and dietary restrictions. We offer several solutions to replace your missing teeth, including dentures, bridges, and implants.
- Systemic conditions which affect your dental health – many illnesses that develop as you age, such as diabetes, can have an effect on your oral health. Oral disease such as periodontal disease also impact your overall health as the bacteria in your mouth migrate to your internal organs. Medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and respiratory disease have all been linked to periodontal disease.
We welcome you to contact our practice today if you have any questions about dental treatments for seniors and to schedule a consultation with our caring dentist. We look forward to helping you care for your smile!
