As we age, we need to take better care of our bodies, and this includes our teeth. While it seems that many people begin losing their teeth as they get older, there’s really very little connection between tooth loss and age. In fact, if you care for your teeth properly throughout your life, your teeth can last your entire lifetime.
Here are some common things out teeth and gums will experience as we age, and tips for how to prevent them.
Nerve Shrinkage
One of the things that does happen as we age, is that the nerves in our teeth can become smaller and not as sensitive. If you have an issue with your teeth and gums, it may not be as obvious to you because of this. So one of the most important things you can do to ensure any issues are detected and treated, is to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Wear and Tear
Obviously, the teeth take a tremendous amount of pressure over the years. With all the grinding, tearing and chewing that we do in a lifetime, the tooth enamel can wear down, and the sharp surfaces of your teeth can become somewhat dull.
To try and reduce wear and tear, avoid chewing super hard foods like hard candy, ice etc. And see your dentist regularly. He/She can restore the surfaces of your teeth to be like they once were.
Don’t Forget Your Gums
No matter what your age, keeping your gums healthy is one of the biggest things you can do to maintain the health of your teeth. If bacteria and plaque buildup on your teeth, it can lead to a condition called gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis include sorry puffy gums, and bleeding when you brush and floss. Left untreated, the condition can cause infections in the bones that your teeth are attached to, causing bone loss, and loosening of your teeth.
Dry Mouth
Whenever food is placed in the mouth, saliva is then secreted to begin breaking down the food particles. Another role saliva plays is in the breakdown of bacteria created by food. As we get older, our mouths tend to secret less saliva than they did in earlier years, and this can pose a few different problems:
- A reduced amount of saliva can have an impact on how food tastes
- Saliva helps to wash away the plaque and bacteria created when food and mucus combine within the mouth
- The possibility of developing plaque and tartar is much higher since there is not enough saliva to wash away the bacteria that cause these things
There are several things you can do to help prevent issues that occur due to reduced saliva production. First, always stay well hydrated. This goes for any health condition really – drinking lots of water has endless benefits, and in this case, the main one is helping to wash away bacteria in your mouth.
Next, ensure that you floss at least once a day. Saliva helps to wash away bits of food particles that get lodged in between the teeth, so if you have reduced saliva production, you’ll need the extra cleaning that flossing provides.
Acidic Food and Drinks
As we age, most of us will experience an increased sensitivity to spicy foods. Any food that is spicy or acidic actually cause your mouth to make more acid. This also goes for fizzy drinks and anything that is high in sugar. This extra acid can contribute to loss of the enamel on your teeth.
If you are someone that isn’t able or willing to give up such types of food or drinks, then you will need to take a few extra steps to ensure that you are not damaging your teeth. One of the simplest things you can do following eating or drinking something acidic, is to counteract the acid by eating something from the dairy group such as milk or cheese. This will help neutralize the acid. Also, it is a good idea to only eat acidic foods as part of a main meal rather than as a snack, as this is when saliva production will be at its highest, offering a greater chance that the acid and other bacteria will be washed away more thoroughly than it would if you were simply eating these types of things as snacks.
Keep an Eye Out for Oral Cancers and Other Diseases
As we age, we are more prone to developing cancer and other diseases of the mouth. The best way to stay on top of this is to report any changes within your mouth to your dentist, and of course have regular dental checkups. Our Vancouver dentists know exactly what to look for.
If you notice sores, red or white patches, or any other type of physical change within your mouth, you should have it checked right away, even if it is not causing pain or problems chewing or swallowing. Prevention is key.
If you use tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco etc.) and alcohol on a regular basis, you should quit, or at the very least, cut down.
Staining and Yellowing
One of the biggest giveaways of age is the state of our teeth. Older people tend to have staining and yellowing for a number of reasons that include the following:
- Use of medications throughout a lifetime
- Limited or unsophisticated dental care early in life
- Poor dental hygiene habits
Dental science has evolved in a huge way over the last few decades. However, if you are someone who is in your sixties or seventies, you’ve probably just stuck with the dental hygiene methods you were taught as a child. And the result is teeth that appear old – stained, yellowed, perhaps some of the dentin is showing due to enamel loss.
On top of having your dentist repair the surfaces of your teeth, you can benefit greatly from today’s whitening technologies. Start with using a whitening toothpaste and rinse, and if you don’t see improvement, visit your dentist for a professional whitening treatment. It can take years off the look of your teeth!
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