Teeth Whitening Cost - Near You in Santa Cruz, CA

Learn About Seniors Dental Care

Q. Why do teeth seem to darken as people age?

A. Teeth may seem darker because plaque can build up faster and in larger amounts as one ages. Changes in dentin can cause teeth to appear a little darker as well.

Q. Why do some seniors lose their sense of taste?

A. Seniors tend to lose their sense of taste because age decreases the sense of taste and smell. Certain diseases, medications, and dentures also can contribute to a decreased sense of taste.

Q. Should seniors be worried about cavities?

A. Yes. The majority of seniors havetooth-root decay and are more susceptible to cavities.

Q. What is root decay?

A. Over time, tooth enamel can wear away in the crowns of teeth and around the tooth roots. Receding gums expose the roots, making them more prone to decay.

Q. What makes seniors more cavity-prone?

A. Seniors are more prone to root decay and gum recession. Additionally, many seniors have "dry mouth" (caused from medications or medical conditions), which increases the risk of cavities. Some also may have difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene due to physical limitations.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Dental Costs

Most everyone is feeling the economic pinch in some way or another. We can't pretend the picture is particularly rosy.

On the other hand, we've all heard the term "false economy." In difficult financial times, some people put off the dental care they need and wait for things to "get better." When it comes to dentistry, that's false economy.

We know budgets go through ups and downs. We also believe that catching small dental problems before they grow will, in the long run, save dental costs. A lot of expensive damage can happen over time.

Say you miss a regular cleaning. You're inviting gum problems like gingivitis, which multiply painlessly, to set in. Old fillings can crack or leak - decay may invade the tooth beneath the filling. Inattention to broken restorations eventually means a crown, certainly the more costly alternative to early repair.

Don't put off dentistry. Don't sacrifice your family's health for economy's sake. When it comes to your mouth, in most cases, a small problem only gets bigger - and more expensive. Preventive care is money in the bank.

Your dentist would like you to share your concerns with his or her financial coordinator. They'll do their part by helping you keep healthy with dental financing. For patients who qualify, they probably can arrange a personal dental loan plan for your care. They're there with options. And they believe good dentistry is good economy.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.