Dentistry Across Generations: The Baby Boomers
Posted on April 5, 2010 4:09AM in Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Mark Kleive
(Part I of a II part series on dentistry across generations)
Baby boomers continue to have a substantial influence in today’s world, with a reputation for being smart consumers and educating themselves on topics of health, finances, and other important life choices. The generation is known for being decisive and well-informed, but one area in which they may be less inclined to take care of themselves is preventive dentistry.
Some baby boomers can take healthy teeth for granted, assuming that good dentistry early on will sustain them through the middle decades of their lives. They may underestimate the importance of ongoing preventative and restorative dental care to preserve their smile and to keep their teeth healthy and strong.
As recently as thirty years ago, it was generally assumed that people would lose their teeth as they aged.
Because of advancements in the following areas, middle aged tooth loss is less likely:
- Preventative Dentistry
- Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry
- Technology and Dental Tools
- Advanced Training and Specialization of Procedures
- Available Financing for Complex Dental Procedures
But with these advances and the new knowledge available to dentists today, that’s simply no longer the case. Baby boomers are focused on health and longevity, and modern dentistry makes it possible for them to keep their teeth as strong and healthy as the rest of their bodies. Baby boomers can live long, satisfying lives with their own teeth if they are willing to take a few precautions to avoid severe oral health problems.
The most common problem faced by aging dental patients is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. In virtually every instance, this can be prevented through good dental care practices at home and regular visits to a dentist. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about the best ways to brush, floss, and otherwise take care of your mouth. It’s also smart to ask a dental expert about any changes you may have noticed in your teeth and gums since your last checkup, so they can catch problems early when treatment is simplest and least expensive.
Other common problems for baby boomers include dry mouth, infections, cavities, tooth discoloration, and oral cancer. All of these can be treated or prevented with regular dental checkups and thorough brushing and flossing at home.
The cornerstones of good dental health into middle age and later years include:
- Proper home care: Follow your dentist’s instructions on tooth cleaning and oral health to the best of your ability. Most people don’t properly brush or floss to remove dirt, bacteria, and plaque. If you’re uncertain of the best dental practices, ask your dentist or hygienist for a demonstration.
- Healthy lifestyle and diet: Second in importance only to good dental hygiene, diet and lifestyle can have a major impact on the health of your teeth. What you eat, when you eat it, and how your day-to-day routine are all important factors in the long-term health of your teeth and gums.
- Regular dental checkups: Seeing a dentist on a regular basis is the best way to preserve the health and longevity of your teeth. Catching problems early on before they develop into bigger ones can save substantially on dental expenses. Annual dental exams are important for everyone, regardless of age or the condition of the teeth. Any changes in your oral health, from sores and swelling to tooth discoloration or pain, should be brought to the attention of your dentist.
With modern technology and today’s advances in dental hygiene, it’s possible for baby boomers to keep their own teeth healthy and strong for the rest of their lives. At the office of Dr. Mark Kleive, we’re committed to helping patients of all ages maintain healthy, beautiful smiles that are both appealing and functional. Contact us at (651) 730-7645 to schedule a no-fee consultation or send us an email today.
