It may seem as though dentistry provides the same generalized care to every person of every age. While dental examinations may be similar, the issues your dentist is looking for change from person to person. Likewise, the basic practice of brushing and flossing may be a general recommendation, but the details of oral hygiene recommended may differ depending on the specific problems your dentist is addressing. For instance, children are far less likely to develop gum disease than adults. Although it is possible, early dental care tends to focus more on the prevention of cavities than on fighting gum disease.

Because he has extensive training in patients of all ages, you can feel confident knowing that Dr. Alkhoury seeks to predict the dental needs you will have at any given time in your life. Current statistics on gum disease reveal that half of all men and women over the age of 55 have gum disease. Simply being in this age bracket puts one at an increased risk of chronic infection and gum recession. During routine dental examinations, Dr. Alkhoury carefully checks for signs of gum disease, as early treatment is paramount to optimal oral health.

With every passing year, the human body experiences biological changes. Growing older, we may find that a lack of collagen in the skin leads to wrinkles and fine lines. The joints may become less flexible as the moisture decreases with age. The mouth is no different from other areas of the body, reacting to chemical changes as they occur. Nature Immunology published the findings of one study that revealed that, with age, the body produces less of the chemical Del-1. This decrease puts us at an increased risk of gum disease.

Aging is a natural process that we cannot stop. However, the more we understand about the response to biological changes, the better we can protect our health. Your dentist has the knowledge and training to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your life. Dr. Alkhoury provides personalized dental care for every member of your family, promoting healthy, beautiful smiles for life.

You deserve to love your smile. Contact our office today to schedule your family’s check-ups. Back to Family Dentistry Home Page