Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville, TN
As we age, our teeth naturally succumb to damage, decay or worse. Maintaining good oral health into your golden years proves not only healthy for your mouth but your body as well. Your teeth can say a lot about your age, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Your Greeneville family dentist has some information to share with you regarding maintaining good oral health into retirement.
Bruxism
Nearly 30 to 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from bruxism, a condition in which they clench and grind their teeth while sleeping. You may not even know if you do this, but experiencing bruxism can wreck your smile because it eventually can grind your teeth down to nubs. While initially, bruxism may slowly wear your teeth, causing teeth to fracture or damage existing dental work, it eventually could cause tooth loss. Protecting your teeth against bruxism is easy! Your family dentist in Greeneville offers custom-made mouth guards to protect your teeth against the brunt force and trauma caused by clenching and grinding your teeth.
Tooth Decay
Nearly 90% of adults experience tooth decay at some point during their lives. The older you get, the more likely it is that you have a filling a two, or maybe several. While cavities may seem inevitable, you should still practice good oral hygiene in efforts of decreasing your risk of decay. As you age, your dexterity may become limited, which is why routine dental visits that include cleanings and examinations become even more important as part of your oral health routine. Also, be sure to eat a diet low in sugar, but rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, and dairy.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease or gum disease is common among adults in the U.S. It is the number one cause of lost teeth among adults, yet it is entirely preventable. It begins as gingivitis, which results in gums that are red, inflamed, and bleed easily. If measures are not taken to combat the disease, it will spread and worsen, and eventually can cause tooth decay, loss of jawbone, loose teeth, or even tooth loss. As you approach retirement, ask the dentist about additional measure you can take to lower your risk of periodontal disease. It is much more economical to practice prevention efforts than to fight the disease with invasive treatments and pay for tooth replacement later on.
Family Dentist in Greeneville
If you are an aging adult or close to retirement, come to see us at Tusculum Dental Care for an assessment of your oral health. We can derive a plan that fits your dental care needs. We also offer a variety of cosmetic dental treatments as well. Your teeth do not have to show your age! We can transform any smile with our artistic design and materials. To learn more, please call our office at (423) 639-7575 to schedule a consultation.
Tusculum Dental Care is proud to provide total oral health care for patients in the areas of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee.