American Dental Association reminds: take care of your mouth after 50

Judith Jones, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association's Division of Geriatric Care and director of the Center for Clinical Research at Boston University's Goldman School of Dental Medicine, said: "As we age, more oral problems may arise, so it's even more important to pay attention after age 50." Take care of your mouth. The American "Huffington Post" recently summarized the four common oral problems of the elderly and provided solutions.


caries. Older people can also get cavities, which can occur near the filling material used for fillings, or at the root of the tooth. "As you age, the roots of your teeth become softer and more easily eroded by foreign substances," explains Jones. The solution: Use fluoride toothpaste appropriately.


Dry mouth. Calcium and phosphorus, which are present in saliva, prevent teeth from losing minerals. If you experience stickiness in your mouth, difficulty swallowing, dry throat, and dry, chapped lips, you may have xerostomia. You may notice a metallic taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath. Dry mouth is usually caused by taking medicines, but it can also be caused by smoking. Solution: If you have dry mouth, you should try to stimulate saliva production, such as drinking more water and chewing sugar-free xylitol gum.


gum disease. If your gums are easily swollen, red, or bleeding, you may have gingivitis; untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which, if persistent, can lead to the loss of bone in the jaw. The solution: visit your dentist regularly; clean your teeth regularly and aggressively treat gum disease.


Crowded teeth. As you age, some teeth become misplaced. It can make cleaning the teeth more difficult and make them less functional. It can also cause teeth to erode, causing damage to supporting tissues and bones. Solution: If a tooth misalignment has occurred, it is time to see a dentist; they will use an appliance (such as a brace, spacer, or bracket) to fix the tooth in place. Regularly clean and check your teeth.