A Visit to a Dentist May have Saved Your Life
I think it’s safe to say that we all procrastinate to a certain extent, especially when it comes to trips to the dentist. However, if you’re a baby boomer, waiting too long can cause a lot of problems and jeopardize your overall health and well being.
Increased Health Risk
As people age, the number of medications they take as well as the complexity of their medical history tends to increase. Even though people over the age of 65 comprise only about 12% of the population, they consume a staggering 33% of all prescription drugs and more than 50% of all over-the-counter medications.
According to National Center for Health Statistics, 38% of Americans over the age of 60 use five or more drugs compared to only 8% of 29 to 60 year olds. As a dentist, it’s my job to take this into account for the future quality of life of the patient. As people age, the number of medications they take not only adversely effects their dental healthy, it also makes dental treatment more difficult to administer.
Be Aware and Proactive
Stay informed — antihistamines, diuretics, antipsychotics, and antidepressents that many adults consume can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities and soft tissue issues. It may also decrease your ability to wear dentures. If you have heart disease, because it progresses with age, it can become impossible to easily discontinue blood thinning medications in order to perform the necessary surgical procedures for restorations such as tooth extractions and implant placement.
If you are a 55 to 60-year-old, reasonably healthy patient that takes one or two medications, you may not be in the same condition five to ten years from now. Therefore the “wait and see” approach to dental treatment can be very dangerous to your overall health. Even though seeing a dentist may not be at the top of your list now, it’s best to take preventative measures so that your teeth — and your body — thank you later.
To schedule a complimentary evaluation appointment with Tribeca Advanced Dentistry, contact our downtown New York office by clicking here.