Taking care of your teeth from an early age is very important. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once, and visiting our Landrum or Greenville office every six months for professional cleanings are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. These steps help prevent infection, decay, and disease, and allow your smile to age gracefully.
Brushing with greater frequency and using a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste can further optimize your routine. More thorough daily care may also help prevent damage that can cause oral health problems as you age.
Changes in Dental Structures
One of the most significant changes that occur with age is gum recession. An unavoidable part of the aging process, gum recession can be exacerbated by a poor oral health routine, tobacco and alcohol use, and bruxism (tooth grinding). You can reduce your risks of excessive recession by avoiding tobacco products, using an occlusal guard to address bruxism, and improving your daily routine. We would be honored to assist you in all of these endeavors.
Receding gums increase the risk of decay and infection at the root of the teeth. When infection occurs, root canal therapy or tooth extraction may become necessary. Dedicated to your complete comfort at all times while in our care, we are pleased to offer these services with gentle sedation for patients who feel nervous.
In addition to changes to the gums, issues more common with age include:
- Dry Mouth
- Thinning Enamel
- Oral Cancer
Risks for oral cancer are significantly reduced through tobacco cessation and reduced alcohol consumption. Tobacco and alcohol are the leading risk factors for mouth and throat cancers.
Specialized Dental Care
At Wood Creek Dental, we are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal oral health at every stage of life. Our family dentistry services are designed to address each patient’s specific concerns, helping to prevent and treat age-related oral health changes, as well as issues resulting from trauma, diet, or even years of less-than-stellar oral care.
Thoughtful, attentive, and dedicated to each of our patients, our teams in Landrum and Greenville welcome the opportunity to meet with you, understand your unique needs, and provide you with the care and services you deserve. Please call us in Greenville at 864-288-5300 or in Landrum at 864-457-3425 to schedule your next visit. We serve patients living in Spartanburg and Greenville counties, and all nearby areas of South Carolina.
