A phenomenon called the “Senior Tsunami” is changing the face of dentistry. ADA statistics confirm that the 79 million strong Baby Boomer generation is now dominating the oral healthcare market. Unlike the previous generations, aging boomers don’t accept tooth loss as an unavoidable consequence of aging. Instead, they want care for their existing teeth and are willing to pay what is required if treatments are made available to them.
Compared to preceding generations, boomers have healthier teeth — largely due to better dental and health care as well as water flouridation. Yet boomers aren’t content to merely keep their teeth. They demand a white, straight, healthy smile to keep a youthful and more attractive appearance. Procedures such as tooth whitening and veneers, as well as other cosmetic treatments, are often requested.
However, appearance is not the only factor at stake in dental care by far. Many complicated conditions become more common as age advances. Not maintaining proper dental care can result in serious overall health problems. Periodontal, or gum disease is a serious concern in modern dentistry, as scientists have found periodontal pathogens in plaques that have built up within arteries. Periodontal disease has been linked with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and chronic kidney disease.
Many boomers have silver amalgam fillings, which require occasional replacement. With each re-filling, more of the original tooth has to be removed. At some point, the tooth will become too weak to support another filling. Fortunately, new technology uses a special kind of ceramic that can replace dental anatomy lost to cavities, fillings or cracks. This ceramic material contracts and expands at the same rate as natural teeth, thus causing less stress on the remaining tooth and surrounding teeth. It also is quite durable, creating a long-lasting restoration that looks like a normal tooth.
Increasingly, dentists are moving away from the old “drill, fill and bill” model of treatment. Instead, they focus on educating their patients about oral care to prevent the need for fillings and other treatments. Everyone can benefit from good oral hygiene practices as well as seeing a dentist every six months, but this is especially important for the aging population. Paying close attention to gums and teeth, and knowing how to spot potential problems early, is a skill that boomers should focus on developing.
Loose teeth, bleeding gums or a bad taste in your mouth are symptoms of possible gum disease. If your mouth seems to be dry, this could be an actual condition aptly called dry mouth. Both these issues require attention from a dentist to correct. Screening for oral cancer is also a service that your dental health professional will provide.
Many boomers, along with the rest of the population, have a fear of the dentist, while others have jaw pain, gagging or other problems that cause a great deal of discomfort during oral procedures. Sedation dentistry is one excellent, needle-free option to help you receive the dental treatment you need without experiencing pain or fear. It uses medications to help calm and relax patients prior to dental treatment. This results in an experience free of discomfort and makes it possible to combine lengthy treatments into a single session rather than requiring multiple visits.
Portland, Oregon’s West Hills Dental Center, features dental health professionals that are experts in the dentistry needs of the baby boomer population. They also offers sedation dentistry for those who prefer this option. Powered by SEO 2.0 Optimization Services
