After you turn 50, your bone density drops significantly. While we tend to take these concerns to heart when it comes to our joints and the bones of our extremities, we can often overlook our oral health. Our jaw provides a large amount of security in holding our tooth structures in place. The reduction of bone matter that comes naturally with age can leave you more at risk of damage and decay.
Osteoporosis affects around half of the women over this age, and around a quarter of men over 50. Since you may not notice external symptoms of this condition, it is important to take special precautions with an aging mouth. Today, your Columbia, TN dentist speaks a bit on osteoporosis. As well, we will touch on some particular care for your oral health when your bone density is decreasing.
Sneaky Development
Since osteoporosis affects your bone tissue, it often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. Without the use of bone scans, it is difficult to determine any level of density loss.
For this reason, it is important to understand your risk. If you are over the age of 50, you have most likely lost some of the stability that your younger bones once had. You should therefore operate as though that is the case, so that you do not brush off any symptoms.
Elevated Risk
When your bone density is lower, your chance of fractures increases significantly. You may be familiar with how this makes your joints such as your pelvis more likely to experience failure. And you may also have heard about hip replacement surgery or have had one yourself.
Your oral health operates in much the same way, and more. Your jaw forms a tight connection with the base of your teeth, snugly holding them in place. When the bone starts to disappear, you may be more likely to experience looseness. This can lead to pockets where bacteria can easily grow. This increases your likelihood of decay and even loss.
Special Care
As we age, it is very important that we keep our oral health fresh in our mind consistently. Not only does the loss of bone density make you more at risk, but your general immune system is less capable of fighting off infections.
Your diet is crucial in how well you maintain your smile. The more diversity in your produce, the better for your oral health, as a whole. We depend on many different vitamins and nutrients in order to keep our mouths safe.
You need at least 1000 mg of calcium daily, and if your diet cannot support this, you may need a supplement. Also, 600 IU of Vitamin D is necessary to maintain strong skeletal matter.
Issues? Concerns?
If there is something more that you'd like to know, please give us a call. Don't wait, call Creekside Family Dentistry in Columbia, TN, today at (931) 388–3384!