When most people hear that someone they know has a cavity, the conversation usually turns to teaching young children about proper oral hygiene habits to combat these teeth issues in the future. But looking at the rate of cavities in people over the age of 65 shows that not just children should be worried about requiring dental work to repair their teeth. Find out why elderly dental patients should be more aware of cavities and what can be done to eliminate your risk of developing a cavity.
Kids are not only ones at risk
While children should definitely be aware of proper oral hygiene procedures, the risk of developing cavities can actually increase as people grow older. More than 35% of dental patients over the age of 65 currently have lost their teeth and require the use of dentures, many times due to a lack of oral hygiene previously in their lives. For those elderly patients that still have their own natural teeth, an estimated 20% have untreated cavities in their mouths. The rate of cavities is even worse for poorer populations and males over the age of 65.
Can anything be done to combat cavities?
Fortunately for patients young and old, understanding what is causing cavities and establishing a plan of attack can significantly decrease your chance of contracting a cavity. Certain health factors can elevate your risk of developing cavities, including a diet high in sugar, dry mouth, recessed gums and a lack of regular dental visits. While they might not be the only players in providing cavities in the mouths of dental patients, eliminating these risk factors can keep cavities from taking over teeth.
Additionally, a number of things can be done to reduce your risk of contracting cavities. By brushing teeth with a fluoride-based toothpaste twice a day, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly, patients can best prevent cavities from forming. Patients can also benefit from being aware of eating sweet and sticky foods, reducing the consumption of acidic foods and drinking water as frequently as possible.
By following these tips, people can significantly lower their risk of developing cavities. For more information on cavity prevention or for an emergency dentist, give us a call today at (702) 388-8888.