How Does Dental Care Change as You Age?

Your teeth are designed to last a lifetime — and with proper care, they can. Even though people commonly think that it is inevitable to suffer tooth loss,nothing could be further from the truth, as long as you continue to get competent dental care throughout your life.

Everything changes as you age, and that includes your mouth. As you grow older, the nerves that feed your teeth shrink, making you less likely to be able to detect cavities and other dental issues. Forgoing dental exams can lead to these problems eluding diagnosis until it is too late. Other typical changes in aging such as slower cell renewal, thinner tissues, less dense bones, and a weaker immune system can all impact the bones and tissues of your mouth.

Let’s take a look at how dental care changes as you age.

I’m Older Now — What Should I Know About Oral Health Problems?

There are natural changes that occur to the mouth and teeth as you age. Even changes in mobility or the addition of certain medications can impact oral health and increase the probability of developing problems with dental health, including:

1. Dry Mouth

As you age, you are at greater risk of developing a condition known as dry mouth. Shrinking salivary glands or less saliva output can occur due to simple aging, specific health conditions, or even certain medications you may be taking.

Saliva is an important part of a healthy mouth, as it inhibits bacteria that cause tooth decay and contributes to better gum health. Low levels of saliva can increase your risk of:

• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Thrush, an oral yeast infection
• Mouth sores
• Issues with swallowing, chewing, or tasting food

While everyone may experience a small decline in saliva as a natural result of aging, some typical medical issues faced by older adults can contribute to dry mouth. The most common cause of dry mouth? Medicines used to treat chronic conditions typically experienced by older adults such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, depression, and even pain.

Other chronic conditions like stroke, Sjogren’s syndrome, or diabetes can also impact saliva production, as can side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer.

2. Gum Problems

Ever hear the phrase that someone is getting “long in the tooth?” This refers to the aging mouth where gum tissue recedes from the tooth surface, causing teeth to appear longer than normal. This retraction of the gum tissue makes it easier for bacteria to accumulate under the gumline, where they can cause decay and inflammation.

Gum recession can be caused by improper brushing techniques over a long period of time, but the most common cause remains gum disease. Factors in adulthood that contribute to the onset of gum disease include:

• Smoking
• Dry mouth
• Diabetes
• Poor oral hygiene
• Avoiding the dentist
• Weakened immunity

Taking good care of your physical and oral health can help prevent most instances of gum disease.

3. Tooth Decay

Receding gums, dry mouth, and a decline in oral hygiene all contribute to an increase in cavities as you age.

4. Oral Cancer

Oral cancer affects men twice as often as women and is more common in adults over 45. The most common causes are tobacco use — and if you pair your smoking habit with cocktails or wine, this could double your risk. Other factors that could increase risk include:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Immunosuppressant medications
• Improper fitting dentures, teeth, or fillings

As you can see, good oral hygiene is the key to preventing most dental problems as you age.

How Can I Care for My Aging Teeth and Gums?

Proper dental care is the basis for a healthy mouth and teeth as you grow older. Consider:

• Brush twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste
• Floss once daily, paying special attention to the gumline and to any teeth with crowns, fillings, or implants
• Give up smoking
• Talk to your doctor if you suspect medications could be causing dry mouth
• Avoid sweets
• See your dentist for cleaning and checkups at least twice yearly.

Taking good care of your aging teeth requires more careful examination and follow-up of oral health, which is why keeping regular appointments with your dentist is so critical. As you age, you may become less able to discern the onset of dental problems. Getting evaluated by your dentist every six months can help you stay ahead of any issues, reducing the risk of tooth loss or other oral health problems.

Let Us Provide You with a Lifetime of Dental Care in El Segundo

With proper care, your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. And the health of your mouth affects the health of the rest of your body, so caring for it is even more critical. At El Segundo Modern Dentistry, we use the latest technology and dental techniques to help you keep your mouth and teeth healthier longer.

If you’re in the El Segundo area, stop in and see us or make an appointment with our staff for an oral health checkup. With regular dental visits and exceptional dental care, you and your teeth will remain healthy and strong for many years to come.

Get cutting-edge dental care for a lifetime of brighter, healthier smiles. Contact us at (424) 277-2671 and let us help you keep your teeth in top shape for years to come.