When talking about tooth decay, people usually think of sweets, candies, and most especially, kids. While recent statistics show that 40% of New Zealand children suffer from this dental problem, adults can have tooth decay too.
Never Too Old for Tooth Decays
There are many factors as to how adults become more at risk for tooth decay. Age plays a role. As you get older, changes in the gums happen. When gums recede, the root of the tooth becomes exposed. As it is not protected by the enamel (the hard layer of the tooth), the root becomes more prone to tooth decay.
Sometimes, medications for certain diseases also contribute to this dental problem. Some medications adults commonly take cause dry mouth. The problem is, saliva helps in killing bacteria that causes tooth decay by neutralizing acids in the mouth. When the saliva flow is reduced, tooth decay may occur.
Tooth decays, though commonly labelled as a children’s problem, have serious health risks. This may lead to pain, pus around the tooth, broken teeth, or worse, tooth loss. This will not just affect your physical health but your mental and emotional well-being as well. Most adults who experience tooth loss, who notice changes in their facial appearance, suffer anxiety and low self-esteem.
This is why many turn to the option of getting dental implants; Tauranga dentists recommend this remedy not just to replace a missing tooth, but also facilitate the restoration of gum tissue over time and increase bone density in the teeth.
Free from Tooth Decays
When it comes to preventing tooth decays, the number one rule is still the same: practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, after every meal if you could. If you can’t, you may opt to floss to remove food residue.
It’s also important to visit the dentist regularly, especially if you are experiencing changes in the gums and are taking medications. This way, you’ll be able to have expert advice on how you can manage oral health better, given your specific health condition.
Tooth decays are not just a children’s problem – adults can suffer from this condition, too. As you might have known already, no one is ever too old for this dental problem.
