Common Dental Risks For Adults 40 to 60 You Need To Know

We’re all concerned with making sure our children have healthy dental hygiene from the time they get their first tooth.  Sometimes we’re so worried about their dental health that our own goes by the wayside. To prevent that, White Spruce Dental is here with some of the most common dental problems you might face as an adult between the ages of 40 and 60. 

Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. This stage is the only stage that is reversible. If left untreated, it can turn into a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis. One of the many reasons to visit your dentist regularly is because it isn’t uncommon to have gum disease with no signs or symptoms. How a dentist treats you will depend on what kind of gum disease you have, and the severity of the condition. The longer it goes untreated, the more the condition will progress, which may change your dentist’s treatment plan.

Making sure you are brushing at least twice a day, flossing, eating properly and seeing your dentist regularly is a big part of keeping gum disease from progressing, or keeping it away altogether. 

If you are concerned that you may have gingivitis or another stage of gum disease, call our office for an appointment right away. We can treat this problem or help prevent it altogether! We are accepting new patients in addition to seeing our regular patients, so even if it’s been awhile since your last dental visit, White Spruce Dental can help give you your healthiest smile! 

Missing Teeth 

Would it surprise you to know that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three teeth decayed or completely missing? If you are part of this statistic, you should take steps to fix the issue right away. 

When you’re missing a tooth (or more than one), the spaces left between your other teeth can have a negative effect on how you eat, drink and even talk. You might not think one missing molar isn’t a big deal, it can still cause issues when you chew. It can also cause your other teeth to move and even cause you to have bone loss around your missing tooth. 

A few options to discuss with your dentist to replace one or more missing teeth include: 

• Bridges. They are anchored to your adjacent teeth and can be fixed or removable. It will depend on your mouth and what your dentist recommends based on your dental needs. 
• Dentures. This is an option if you’re missing multiple or all of your teeth. 
• Implants. They are most like your natural tooth. 

Depending on how many teeth you are missing and where the missing teeth are located, one of the options above may be a great option to help make your smile complete again! If you’re unsure which option is right for you, please give us a call and schedule an appointment with us today! We can go over all of your options and together make the best decision for you and your teeth! 

Sensitivity 

Does a sip of hot coffee or a bite of ice cream make you wince in pain? If so, you could have a common dental issue called sensitive teeth. There are several reasons your teeth can become sensitive, including: 

• Cavities 
• Broken Teeth
• Worn out fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel 
• Exposed tooth root

Don’t think your tooth sensitivity is something you just have to live with. This dental problem can be treated by using a desensitizing toothpaste or alternative treatments depending on what is causing your tooth sensitivity and what your dentist recommends.  If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity and aren’t sure what to do, please give our office a call and schedule an appointment with us today. We can sit down with you and go over all options to determine what the best treatment plan is for you. Whether you are a new or an existing patient, we can help treat the annoying and potentially severe pain you may be dealing with! 

Oropharyngeal Cancer

Oropharyngeal cancer can affect any area of the oropharyngeal cavity. This includes your lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue, jaw and your throat. Many times this starts as a small, white or red spot that you don’t notice right away. It can also become sore or begin swelling anywhere in your mouth or throat. The symptoms of mouth or throat cancer can include: 

• Sores that bleed easily or do not heal 
• A thick or hard spot/lump
• A roughened or Custer area
• Numbness, pain or tenderness 
• Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down 

Seeing your dentist regularly for checkups can lower your chances of getting mouth or throat cancer, because your dentist will catch any sign or symptom early. Irregular dental visits might cause one of these symptoms to go unnoticed, causing the disease to progress.  It is always important to discuss any issues you may have with your dentist, such as problems chewing, swallowing or talking.  If you are experiencing any of these issues, or if you are due for a dental checkup, please call our office and schedule an appointment with us, today! 

Having good dental hygiene is always the best way to ensure your teeth and mouth stay healthy. Between that and regular visits with your dentist, it will be much easier to keep dental problems (both big and small) away, or catch any issues you may have early enough so they may be treated easily. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your teeth, or if you simply need to schedule a routine appointment, call our office today so we can help keep you and your teeth happy and healthy! Give White Spruce Dental a call today! 

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.