For Natural Teeth at 80, Start Young

The majority of baby boomers will maintain their natural teeth over their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).⁵ And there has been a substantial decrease in the past decade in the number of people ages 65 and older who have lost all their teeth.¹ The widespread use of fluoride in water, toothpaste, and other products has helped reduce tooth decay among all ages.⁵

Having a mouthful of natural teeth in your older years requires that you make the right moves for decades beforehand. Besides brushing gently at least twice a day, paying special attention to the gum line, and flossing at least once a day, you must seek regular checkups and cleanings.³

A dental visit involves a comprehensive checkup that extends beyond your teeth. Dentists screen for oral cancer⁸—which is particularly vital for people who drink alcohol, smoke, or chew tobacco.¹⁵ Dentists also look for side effects of medication.⁸ You should tell your dentist if you have diabetes or heart disease. These conditions can affect your oral health.^4,12,14

Despite the importance of dental visits, 30 percent of Americans did not visit a dentist or dental clinic in 2006, according to the CDC.⁵ Why are people avoiding the dentist?

It may be because many people feel anxious.¹⁰ In fact, more than 20 million Americans avoid going to the dentist out of fear, according to the National Institutes of Health.⁹ Such fears are unwarranted. Dentists are now more understanding to patients’ needs.⁹ With improved anesthetics and the latest technologies, there’s very little reason for patients to be uncomfortable during their treatments.¹¹

If you are anxious about visiting the dentist, taking these steps may help:

• Talk with your dentist. He or she can adjust your treatment to meet your needs.³

• Choose a time for your visit when you aren’t rushed or under pressure.⁷

• Bring a portable audio player so that you can listen to music during the procedure.⁷

• Try visualization. Imagine yourself on a warm beach.⁷

If your anxiety is extreme, you can use pain-control methods, such as behavioral therapy techniques, to help your visit be pain-free.³ Also, some dentists prescribe medication to help patients relax.⁹

You should also update the dentist on changes in your health, including major illnesses as well as medications you take.^3,8,13 Some drugs can affect your oral health or interact with drugs the dentist may give you.^3,13

Also, alert your dentist if you notice any of these changes:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks^3,6

• Pain when chewing⁶

• Pain, pressure, or swelling of your gums³

• Discoloration of your teeth⁶

Leaving dentures to your great-grandfather is a worthy goal—and one that has implications far beyond dental health. Research shows that poor oral health is linked to a variety of other ailments, including heart and lung disease, diabetes, and stroke.^2,13,14

After you blow out the candles on that 80^th birthday cake, don’t stop taking care of your teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits should remain part of your life.³

¹ “New Report Finds Improvements in Oral Health of Americans.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 1, 2007. www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/library/pressreleases/improvements.htm Accessed 2010.

² “Mouth-Body Connection.”American Academy of Periodontology, August 9, 2010. www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.top2.htm Accessed 2010.

³ “Effects on Wellbeing and Quality of Life, Chapter 6.” Oral Health in America, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, September 2000. www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/SurgeonGeneral/sgr/chap6.htm Accessed 2010.

⁴ “Have a Heart-to-Heart Chat Before Dental Visits.”Academy of General Dentistry, October 2008 www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=320&Topic=O&ArtID=1295 Accessed 2010.

⁵ “Adult Oral Health” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, December 2007. www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/topics/adult.htm Accessed 2010.

⁶ “Root Canal Treatment.” American Association of Endodontists, 2008. www.aae.org/Patients/Content.aspx?id=135&terms=root+canal+treatment Accessed 2010.

⁷ “Dental Anxiety.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/3102.aspx?currentTab=1 Accessed 2010.

⁸ “Making the Most of Your Dental Visit.”Academy of General Dentistry, February 2007 www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=344&Topic=D&ArtID=1221. Accessed 2010.

⁹ “How Dentists Help Anxious Patients.” Academy of General Dentistry, November 2007. www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=288&Topic=A&ArtID=3076. Accessed 2010.

¹⁰ “Why Am I Anxious in the Dental Office?” Academy of General Dentistry, January 2007 www.agd.org/public/oralhealth/Default.asp?IssID=288&Topic=A&ArtID=1121 Accessed 2010.

¹¹ “Fact Sheet: Endodontics.” American Association of Endodontists, 2008. www.aae.org/News/Content.aspx?id=598&terms=root+canal+treatment Accessed 2010.

¹² “How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health?” Academy of General Dentistry, January 2007. www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1231 Accessed 2010.

¹³ “How to Keep a Healthy Smile for Life.” American Academy of Periodontology, June 12, 2008. www.perio.org/consumer/smileforlife.htm Accessed 2010.

¹⁴ “Oral-Systemic Health.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/4081.aspx?currentTab=2 Accessed 2010.

¹⁵ “Oral Health for Older Americans.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, December 2006. www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheets/adult_older.htm Accessed 2010.