by Roseman Dental | Dec 14, 2021 | Dental Clinic Blog, Oral Health, Roseman Dental - NV, Roseman Dental - UT
Your body changes as you grow and age, and your mouth is no exception. Understanding how your mouth changes with age will help you make the right decisions to stay healthy.
Tooth Anatomy
The teeth have several parts:
- The outermost layer is the enamel. This is the part of the tooth you are accustomed to seeing, and is the strongest tissue in the body. It is hard, shiny, and white, and covers the chewing surface or crown of the tooth.
- Dentin is a brown layer below the enamel, and makes up most of the tooth. Although dentin is porous, it’s hard and solid.
- Below the dentin is the pulp of the tooth. This soft tissue houses blood vessels, nerves and other connective tissue, nourishing teeth as they grow. Once teeth are mature, the pulp provides sensory input from the tooth to the body.
- Each tooth has roots, which are anchored in bone.
- Teeth are surrounded by soft pink tissue called gums.
Your Aging Mouth: Enamel and Dentin
Once a tooth reaches maturity, it contains all the enamel it will ever have. The dentin layer, however, is constantly growing thicker. Though teeth start out completely covered in white enamel, the enamel wears away over time. At the same time, the brown dentin layer continues to thicken. The result is a darkening or discoloration of the teeth with age as the dentin layer becomes visible below the enamel. Even good oral hygiene cannot stop these changes from occurring. However, bleaching or veneers can help whiten teeth for improved appearance.
Your Aging Mouth: Pulp, Bones and Gums
As the dentin in teeth thickens, the pulp chamber inside the teeth shrinks. This leads to less sensitive teeth, which can be a problem because cavities may go undetected in older people with decreased tooth sensitivity. Gum disease can cause bones in the jaw and mouth to deteriorate. Bacteria and plaque on the teeth cause pockets to form between your teeth and gums, leading to infection. If left untreated, this infection can deteriorate the bones, causing teeth to loosen or fall out. Warning signs of gum diseases include bleeding gums or teeth that appear longer than they once did. This can be an indication that the gums are pulling away from the teeth. If you think you may have gum disease, regardless of your age, see a dentist at once.
As you age, your body matures and changes. Being aware of these changes can help you make informed decisions about your health. The providers at Roseman Dental are great resources for understanding dental health and accessing high quality, affordable dental care.
by Roseman Dental | Dec 14, 2021 | Dental Clinic Blog
It’s that time of year again, when everyone starts thinking about how they will improve themselves or their situations in the next year. If you’re like the majority of the population, you’ve set a New Year’s resolution to get in shape and eat healthier this year. While most people set this resolution as a way to lose weight, did you know eating a healthy diet is also one of the best things you can do for your oral health?
The Effects of Poor Nutrition
An unhealthy diet affects the body in lots of different ways. It increases the risk of chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, and weakens your immune system. These chronic illnesses and a weak immune system also increase the chances of developing gingivitis, gum disease, and other oral health complications.
Since the mouth is the first point of contact for food and drinks, sugary treats and drinks can also increase the risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Regularly eating unhealthy foods can cause inflammation or chronic conditions that contribute to poor health overall.
On the flip side, eating healthy foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits and vegetables, can improve your immune system and protect your mouth from disease. According to the American Dental Association, studies show a correlation between people who have lost teeth or wear dentures and those who don’t eat as many fruits or vegetables or tend to have less nutritious overall eating habits.
Partner with your Dentist
The mouth is one of the first places where signs of a poor diet are detectable. Your dentist is one of the best resources to help keep your mouth healthy and identify tips for healthy eating. A great way to begin your “healthy diet” New Year’s Resolution is with a visit to your dentist. Go for a cleaning and check-up, and ask your dentist to help you identify ways you can improve your diet to improve your oral health.
Scheduling regular cleanings and check-ups with your dentist at the recommended six-month intervals can also keep you accountable all year for your resolution to eat healthy. The Dental Clinic at Roseman University offers affordable dental care in the Salt Lake valley for people who don’t have a dentist or for those who are under or uninsured.
For tips on what to eat, MyPlate from the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion at the U.S. Department of Agriculture can help you plan a balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetable, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein.
This year, make a resolution to eat healthier, and develop a plan to follow through. Your body, and your mouth, will thank you.
by Roseman Dental | Nov 10, 2021 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - UT
Here come the holidays! During this busy season, taking care of yourself is important. In the November issue of Dental 360°, get the facts about infant and toddler dental care, learn how to keep plaque at bay, and find out how diabetes impacts oral health. You’ll also get some strategies for handling tricky food situations, including parenting, cooking for one, and dealing with stress.
Roseman Dental’s Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, dental residents and students, and dental assistants and hygienists all focused on you and your family’s oral health. We offer comprehensive care, are a one-stop shop for all your dental needs and offer dental care at a cost typically lower than what you would find at a traditional dental office. Roseman Dental has been serving its community since 2011 and we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family.
We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.
Dental 360° November Articles
The Diabetes & Oral Health Connection
Preventing Plaque
Infant and Toddler Oral Health Basics
How to Tackle Tough Eating Triggers
Click Here to Leave a Review
by Roseman Dental | Nov 10, 2021 | Dental 360, Dental Clinic Blog, Roseman Dental - NV
Here come the holidays! During this busy season, taking care of yourself is important. In the November issue of Dental 360°, get the facts about infant and toddler dental care, learn how to keep plaque at bay, and find out how diabetes impacts oral health. Plus, dig into an overview of orthodontic treatment needs and options.
Roseman Dental & Orthodontics’ Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, orthodontists, orthodontic residents – 30 to be exact, and dental residents all focused on you and your family’s oral health. Roseman Dental & Orthodontics has been serving its community since 2009 and is a comprehensive, one-stop shop for all your dental needs including dental, orthodontic and craniofacial cleft lip & palate treatment.
We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.
Dental 360° November Articles
The Diabetes & Oral Health Connection
Preventing Plaque
Infant and Toddler Oral Health Basics
Orthodontic Treatment
How to Tackle Tough Eating Triggers
Subscribe to e-newsletter
Click Here to Leave a Review
