Stages of your Life - 20's & 30's
Things to keep an eye on:
Sensitivity - the aging process causes gums to recede naturally which exposes the rooth of our teeth; enamel begins to soften as well. These 2 occurences can cause shock or zing when eating something cold. Proper brushing techniques are key to avoiding receding gums as well as using a soft bristled brush and hold it at a 45 to 60 degree angle toward your gums - gently brush up and down, not side to side; as that side to side motion can be hard on our gums. Choosing a toothpaste or mouth rinse with fluoride can also be helpful. Dr. Sutor does a minor surgical procedure here in our office that can repair the tissue around a root where gum tissue has receded. Call our office and speak to one of our experienced team members about how Dr. Sutor can help with this very common gum condition.
Stress - Stress can cause grinding and gnashing of your teeth. Often this occurs while you're sleeping so you are unaware of it. This type of trauma to your teeth causes your teeth to wear down and increases your risk for cavities. You should check with your dentist if you often wake up with headaches or a sore jaw. He/she can fit make you a protective mouth guard for you to wear at night.
Soda - Soda pop is very acidic, and the acid content in those soda can erode enamel of our teeth. Using a straw can decrease the liquid's contact with your teeth, and make sure to rinse out your mouth with water after you drink. It seems odd, but don't brush your teeth immediately after you have acidic foods or drinks as it can actually worsen the erosion.
Cosmetic Considerations - It is not too late for braces at any age to fix a uneven or crooked smile. Invisalign is a nice alternative to the traditional braces and can work equally as well. Check with your dentist or an orthodontist to find out your options.
Stages of your Life - 40's
Older Fillings - Whether you have a white or tooth colored filling or a silver filling, over time fillings begin to loosen, crack, and wear down causing decay in our teeth. See your dentist regularly for them to evaluate the condition of your fillings.
Gums - Research has shown that there is a link between periodontitis (gum disease) and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions, and many other health issues. If your gums are sore or red, or if they bleed when you floss, talk to your dentist, who should refer you to a peridontist (Dr. Mark Sutor :)) so that they can properly evaluate the stage of your gum condition. There are so many up to date ways to treat gum disease at this time that you can have this condition treated many times with minimal discomfort and time involved. Dr. Sutor has successfully treated thousands of Hoosiers with a variety of stages of gum disease over the last 20 years. In recent years, he has begun using a unique laser that provides patients the same quality of treatment with minimal discomfort. Call our office to find out more!
Exercise Level - Whether you believe it or not, how active you are, may determine the health of your smile. Studies have shown that people who had the lowest BMI were at the lowest risk for periodontal disease. Results did not determine for sure why people who take care of their bodies seem to take better care of their teeth, but that did seem to be the case.
Cosmetic Considerations - While we love to enjoy our coffee, tea and wine, over time they may tend to cause staining of your teeth. Talk with your dentist about the different whitening options available to you whether in office or over the counter.
Stages of your Life - 50's & 60's
Dry Mouth - Medications can often cause your to experience a "dry mouth". Saliva is very important to flushing away unwanted bacteria so it is important to keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water, chewing sugarless gum, and sucking on sugarless candies. Dr. Sutor's hygienist will often provide our patients with Biotene, a fantastic line of dental toothpaste, mouth rinse, gum cleanser, etc...that assists with relieving oral dryness and the symptoms of a dry mouth.
Your Bones - As you age, your risk of weakening of the bones or osteoporosis, increases significantly. Older women with osteoporosis have been shown to be more likely to lose teeth. Dental x-rays taken by your dentist or specialist can help identify osteoporosis symptoms such as loose teeth. Check with your medical doctor about calcium and vitamin D that could be added to help decrease your chance of osteoporosis. Dr. Sutor's office has a CT scan xray machine on site as well as digital x-rays that can assist with diagnosing possible oral symptoms of osteoporosis.
Suspicious Sores - Sores that don't go away within 2 weeks can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition. Check with your dentist or periodontist (Dr. Mark Sutor :)) if you have questions about suspicious sores you may have in your mouth. Dr. Sutor has been able to help diagnose numerous different oral conditions over the years and would be happy to evaluate your concerns at anytime.
We hope that this information has been helpful. We would love to have the opportunity to chat with you about your dental concerns! Call our office at 812-333-4550 or visit our website at www.sutordds.com. You can also check us out on facebook, twitter, and you tube. Periodontics & Dental Implant Center of Southern Indiana - Dr. Mark Sutor, the place people come to have a healthy smile!
