As we age, our bodies will change this fact. This includes our teeth and mouth. “Teth has gone through a lot of journeys over time,” said Dr. David Wagner, cosmetic dentist at DDS. “As we age, our mouths undergo some interesting transitions. The gums may start pulling backwards, making the teeth appear longer and expose the root cause. The production of saliva tends to slow down, which can lead to dryness and higher cavity.” Your medications may even affect your oral health.
These are verbal changes related to age, you should know your smile, and what experts say you can do to prevent them.
Aging and oral health
Just like the rest of the body, your mouth changes as you age – even if you don't notice it. Your teeth may have been transferred, your mouth may feel dry, and it is different from what it was 10 or 20 years ago.
“As we get older, our mouths have changed a few times,” said Dr. James Heaton, smiling dentist and owner of Chandler. Tissue in the mouth, including gums and cheeks, may begin to lose elasticity, causing the way teeth fuse together to sag or change. Saliva production may also be reduced, which may cause dryness in the mouth and affect overall oral health. Additionally, jawbone can weaken over time, and over time, bites can cause changes in bites and increase the risk of tooth loss. ”
As you age, your teeth will change. The enamels start to wear, which increases sensitivity and staining and makes them more fragile.
“Aging can cause tooth loss due to factors like gum disease, decay and oral hygiene habits over the years, and over the years, teeth may change or change shape over time, which can affect your bite and overall oral health.”
4 Common Age-related Dental Changes
As you age, you are prone to problems related to oral health. Dental experts break down some of the most common experts people experience, so you can realize what to look for – and what to talk to your dentist.
Oral cancer
The risk of oral cancer increases as you age, which is why WEI strongly recommends you to screen frequently.
“Another important factor to be aware of is that the risk of oral cancer increases with age, so oral cancer screening is very important,” he said. “Make sure you visit your dentist regularly so that any dental problem can be addressed to maintain optimal oral health.”
Studies have shown that the risk of oral cancer increases after the age of 40, and the risk in men is significantly higher than that in women. Although the risk of all races and genders continues to increase with age, the highest concentrations were found among non-Hispanic white men between 65 and 74 years old.
Gum disease
Older people are also more likely to have gum disease. Although gum disease may occur at any time in your life, this inflammation can spread more generally later and cause greater dental problems.
“Gum disease can become a problem and if it cannot be managed effectively, it can cause tooth loss,” Dr. Wagner said.
Dr. Wei added that gum disease (which occurs when the gums are inflamed and begins to shrink and wear if not treated – can lead to more serious oral health problems. He responded to Dr. Wagner’s warning that this could eventually lead to tooth loss.
Dry mouth
According to Dr. Wei, dry mouth becomes more problematic as you age. He noted that saliva production will decrease as you age, which means some people have more problems with dry mouth, which can lead to “oral health problems.”
Dr. Wagner added that dry mouth in older people also means teeth rot faster. This is because saliva helps keep bacteria away in your mouth. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says it is difficult to maintain oral health when saliva is reduced.
Additionally, many medications can cause dry mouth, which is why it may be a common problem for older people. Fortunately, if you talk to your doctor, you can treat dry mouth. Drinking a lot of water can also help solve this problem.
Tooth decay
As we age, many older people begin to break down their teeth, and many older people may develop tooth decay or cavity.
“Decay may become more common, especially around older fillings or exposed roots, especially in dry mouths,” Dr. Wagner said.
According to Dr. Wei, certain drugs can also cause tooth decay. That's why if your teeth start to show signs of trouble, it's important to mention any prescriptions from your doctor and dentist – medications may be the root cause.
How to take care of aging teeth and gums
Go to the dentist regularly
Needless to say, regular dentist visits are necessary. This is something you should do in your life, but it is more important as you get older, as your teeth and mouth are more fragile. “For older people, strengthening dental care routines is crucial. Regular dental visits are key to problems early on,” Dr. Wagner said.
Maintain proper diet
Sticking to a proper diet will not only keep your body healthy, but also keep your teeth healthy. “Ensure a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and other essential nutrients to achieve healthy teeth and gums,” Dr. Wei said. Dr. Wagner added that avoiding excessive sugar is also a good idea.
Take care of dentures
If you wear dentures, Dr. Heaton says it is crucial to make sure they fit your mouth properly (regardless of your age, especially at older ages). Because these sit on your gums day after day, they need to fit well – so he recommends that you do your best to treat them.
Keep hydrated
Because older people have higher risk of dry mouth, all three dental professionals recommend drinking plenty of water to keep their mouths moist. Even using saliva substitutes isn't a bad idea. “Keeping hydrated is also essential to combat dry mouth, as lack of saliva increases the risk of tooth decay,” Dr. Heaton said.
Using fluoride
All three dentists praise fluoride to keep teeth clean and dense. “Using memory agents such as fluoride and hydroxyapatite products helps enhance enamel and prevent attenuation,” Dr. Wagner said.
Bottom line
As we age, our mouths and the rest of our bodies change. Keeping a close eye on your teeth can help you spot common problems early so you can fix them before they get worse. It is important to visit the dentist regularly, brush and floss regularly and have a proper diet rich in vitamins and minerals (not much sugar).
