How The Aging Process Affects Your Teeth And Oral Health

There are a number of health issues that an individual develops as a result of the natural aging process. One of those concerns is the way that aging can negatively impact your oral health. By following a strong oral hygiene regimen at home and regularly visiting the Community Dental Group, you will be able to battle those effects that aging has on your teeth. There are a number of factors to be concerned with.

First of all, the nerves of your teeth begin decreasing in size as you get older. As a result, it becomes increasingly more difficult to feel the presence of cavities or pain in your teeth. Additionally, there are certain diseases and prescription medicines that can cause a variety of side effects which in turn make you more vulnerable to conditions such as decaying teeth and periodontal disease. To reduce the risk of cavities, you should avoid eating starchy and sugary foods.

There are a number of oral health problems that you are at risk of developing as you get older. The most common problems that we see with our senior patients include:

• Darkened teeth – caused by changes in the dentin along with years of consuming beverages and foods that cause staining.
• Diminished taste – as we age, each of our 5 senses are affected. Not only is our sense of taste impacted, the use dentures, onset of diseases, and taking medications contributes to this condition.
• Dry mouth – certain diseases, cancer treatments of the head or neck, and a variety of medications can reduce the flow of saliva and cause dry mouth.
• Gum or periodontal disease – food left in your teeth and plaque causes this condition. In addition to this, certain diseases, poor diet, poor-fitting dentures or partials, and tobacco use will cause gum or periodontal disease. This can also lead to tooth loss.
• Root decay – as you age, your gum tissue recedes and exposes the roots of your teeth to acids that cause decay.
• Uneven jaw structure – caused by missing teeth and not replacing them. The remaining teeth drift and shift into the spaces created by missing teeth.

Community Dental Group can help you maintain your gums and teeth so that the impact of the aging process is reduced as much as possible. If you are concerned about the condition of your teeth and how they will hold up to the natural aging process, we encourage you to call us today and schedule an appointment for evaluation.