When you finally hit the big 50, you’ll slowly notice new aches and pains here and there. And while you may be wary about the medical conditions that often sprout up as a person ages, below are some of the dental conditions which you may want to have your eyes peeled on as well:
Bruxism
Also known as teeth grinding, figures have show that as much as 8 percent of adults are suffering from bruxism. And it’s usually those individuals who are stressed which suffer more from bruxism compared to those who are more care free. At the same time, individuals with misaligned jaw joints or those with temporomandibular joint disorder are also more likely to have bruxism. Teeth grinding can lead to a host of other dental complications including having worn out enamel, teeth sensitivity and even increased risk for infections.
How do you know that you have bruxism? Ask your spouse or roommate if you grind your teeth while you sleep. You can also take note of headaches and jaw tenderness right after you wake up. Individuals who are diagnosed for bruxism are often prescribed mouthguards.
Cavities
If you think that only children get cavities, then think again. Around 29 to 59 percent of adults over the age of 50 have dental caries. And 90 percent of the entire adult population have or will suffer from dental caries. Prevention of tooth decay is accomplished through strict dental hygiene, diet restrictions and going to the dentist for regular check-ups. Not only can your dentist suggest treatments that will further boost your resistance to cavities but he or she can also provide early treatment to cavities which have just started to develop. Remember, for as long as the cavity does not reach the pulp yet, you have a bigger chance at preserving your tooth, granted that you seek out treatment as early as possible.
Gum Disease
Periodontal, or gum, diseases are the leading cause of tooth loss with almost 70 percent of cases of tooth loss due to gum disease. Worst yet, around 75 percent of Americans will contract some form of gum disease at least once in their lives. And your risk doubles when you have any existing cardiovascular disease or have type 2 diabetes.
Gum disease develops over time and can be prevented through good dental hygiene. At the same time, the early stages of gum disease can be reversed through a routine dental treatment called the scaling and root planing procedure.
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