New research tells us that the baby boomers will be the first generation with a majority of members to keep their natural teeth for their entire lifetime, something to smile about.
That was the good news. Unfortunately, it’s not all bright smiles and sparkling white grins.
While improved dental technologies have made a visit to the dentist a lot less frightening than it once was – Australians still don’t visit the dentist anywhere near as often as they should. Baby boomers are brushing aside dental care and this is resulting in increased rates of tooth decay and gum disease.
“Busy schedules have encouraged many baby boomers to avoid a visit to the dentist, especially in the absence of any oral pain. This is dangerous for a number of reasons.”
Decay, disease, and dental infection
Most experts will agree that reduction rates in tooth-loss can be attributed to the implementation of fluoride. But while fluoridated teeth have a strengthened outer shell, the inside often becomes weak and hollow. This makes it easy for teeth to become infected with bacteria. It only takes a small dental defect for bacteria to enter the tooth.
Tooth decay, gum disease, and other bacterial infections are all treatable in the early stages, and can be easily picked during a visit to the dentist. Often however, they go unnoticed and result in serious internal dental damage requiring extensive treatment to repair.
Poor dental health often means poor overall health
Recent research now shows that the health of your mouth is a pretty good reflection of your overall health. Regular check-ups can help you maintain good dental hygiene while also giving your dentist the opportunity to assess for other medical issues.
A number of systematic diseases have oral symptoms such as ulcers and gum problems. An unhealthy mouth may point to a more serious underlying health issue, one that can be identified by your dentist.
Cosmetic and restorative dentistry
If your teeth have suffered extensive damage, there are a number of restorative and cosmetic treatment options available to help return your teeth to their optimal healthy state. To find out which treatments may be most suitable for you, check out our treatments page.
People are now living longer than ever before, and as our bodies age so do our teeth. Dental complications are the last thing we should be worrying about as we transition into our later years.
Getting a cosmetic or restorative dental procedure now can help ensure you maintain a healthy smile for the long run. If you’re a baby boomer, don’t brush aside dental care.
Find one of the best cosmetic dentists in Sydney and give your smile the dental care it deserves.
Dr Jim Ironside has over twenty-five years’ experience and provides regular check-ups, along with a full range of cosmetic and prosthetic treatments. Please contact us today for more information or to make a consultation.
All surgical procedures carry risk. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.