As We Age, So Does Our Smile

There are a lot of things that happen to us as we get older. Some are good things, like grandkids and all the additional wisdom. But some things are not as pleasant, like gray hair wrinkles, and painful joints. Deterioration of our teeth and gums can come with age as well.

​Some of the effects of aging on our dental and oral health include:

• Tooth enamel can wear down over time and leave teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay.
• Dry mouth is common in older patients and can be caused by natural reduction in saliva and the effects of some medications. Dry mouth can cause a thinning and receding of the gum tissue. This can cause increased tooth decay, particularly at the gum line and an increase in periodontal disease.
• Loss of taste is a factor and while it is normal to experience a diminished sense of taste as we age, it can be aggravated by use of some common drugs. Loss of taste can lead us to add more flavoring to our food, particularly salt, which can contribute to dry mouth and the issues mentioned above. Eating very hot foods can damage the gum tissue as well.
• Bone loss in the body can also lead to bone loss in the bones of the mouth and jaw – the bones that support our teeth.
• Illness and disease (as well as the medicines we take to treat them) can affect the health of the teeth and gums. Additionally, tooth decay and periodontal disease can have an adverse effect on overall health.

These conditions can ultimately lead to tooth loss and tooth loss contributes to problems with chewing and nutritional issues, not to mention the confidence that comes with having a healthy smile. So what can we do to fight the effect of aging and maintain oral and dental health?

• Brush and floss twice a day with an enamel friendly, fluoride toothpaste.
• If you suffer from dry mouth, ask your dentist to recommend a good mouth rinse. Drink more water, avoid alcohol, acidic or sugary drinks, and spicy foods.
• Periodontal therapy is even more important as we age. Periodontal cleanings go deeper beneath the gum line to help prevent periodontal disease.
• Make sure to get an oral screening for cancer during your regular dental exam.
• Stop smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco products.

When you have lost teeth, there are many options for tooth replacement including partial or full dental implants. At Periodontal Therapy Center, we work with our patients to ensure they have healthy teeth and gums and when tooth replacement is indicated, we work with the patient to develop a treatment plan to improve overall dental and periodontal health and plan for the appropriate course of action for replacing teeth when necessary. Call to schedule a consultation to learn more!
 
Click below for more information from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research:
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2018-10/older-adults-oral-health.pdf
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