Aging is a natural part of your life!!!
As we all know, as we age, several changes take place in our body, and oral health is one among them. The changes are different from person to person as it depends on how much you took care of your health at the time of requirements. Understanding dental health changes with age is important as it helps in taking the right steps to maintain a radiant smile and ensure well-being.
In this blog, we will identify different dental health problems encountered with growing age and how to prevent them-
1. Enamel Wear and Tear
Enamel is considered to be the hardest substance in our body which can wear down with time as we make its usage regularly. Moreover, acidic foods or teeth grinding (bruxism) also affect it over time. As enamel starts getting thin, it becomes more susceptible to sensitivity, decay, and discoloration. However, if you lose it, you can not restore it, thus it is important to make an effective use of toothpaste so that you can protect your enamel erosion.
2. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Dry mouth is another common problem that is found among older adults. It generally happens due to their medication and health issues such as diabetes or changes in saliva production. Saliva is an essential part of our mouth as it helps neutralize acids in the mouth, protect teeth from decay, and wash away food particles. The availability of insufficient saliva in the mouth leads to several issues such as gum disease, bad breath, and risk of tooth decay. If you are having trouble with dry mouth, you must consult your dentist to provide you solutions such as saliva substitutes or make adjustments to your medications.
3. Gum Recession
Our gums start receding naturally as we age which leads to an increase in tooth sensitivity, increased exposure of the tooth’s roots, and a higher risk of root cavities. Gum recession also leads to the creation of pockets where bacteria could be accumulated which leads to gum disease. You should make sure that you make your dental checkups timely and take good care of your oral hygiene so this can be managed.
4. Increased Risk of Gum Disease
Gum diseases are quite common and prevalent with age. This generally takes over due to negligence of people regarding flossing or unable to reach all the areas of the mouth which lets bacteria thrive. If you don’t consider this to be treated timely, it could even lead to tooth loss. This can also be caused by to buildup of plaque and tartar. If you want to keep your gum healthy and free from any diseases, you need to go for proper brushing and flossing, combined with regular cleaning from dentists.
5. Tooth Sensitivity
Like various other problems, tooth sensitivity is also common with increasing age. In this, the enamel wears down with time, and tooth roots are exposed directly. It makes feel uncomfortable and painful when we consume anything cold, hot, or sugary food items. Tooth sensitivity is also a sign of cavities, cracked teeth or gum recession. If your tooth sensitivity has become issue and not able to overcome any pain, you should get treatments from the dentist as he will recommend fluoride treatments and desensitizing toothpaste.
Common Dental Problems in Older Adults
Some of the specific dental issues faced by older adults and need to be addressed timely for maintaining oral health are as follows-
1. Tooth Decay and Cavities- The risk of tooth decay arises as enamel weakens with age. Older adults do have a medical history of dental treatments such as fillings, crowns, or bridges which get damaged with time, leading to infections or cavities. Thus, it is important for you to continue visiting your dentist regularly so that early signs of any tooth decay or infection can be ascertained.
2. Tooth Loss- Tooth loss is common among older people and it proves to be their point of concern when we talk about oral health. This happens due to tooth decay or gum disease occurs with time. However, dentures, bridges, and implants are secured as effective solutions to the problem while preserving natural teeth with regular dental visits and good oral hygiene. Even though, you or your loved one face the issue of tooth loss, there are multiple modern solutions you have to restore your aesthetically and mesmerizing pleasing smile.
3. Oral Cancer- Oral cancer is not prevalent to everyone as only those people are prone to this and have a history of alcohol or tobacco usage. Regular examination of teeth or dental exams will help in detecting oral cancer at an early stage which leads to evident of successful treatment outcomes. If you notice any unusual lumps, sores, or bleeding in your mouth, seek medical attention right away.
Tips for Maintaining Good Dental Health as You Age
As age brings several challenges to everyone, the right strategies and habits can help keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Here are some tips for maintaining good oral health into your golden years:
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
Brushing and flossing prove to be the cornerstones of oral health as they are the key to keeping oral health stable as we age. You need to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and make sure you use only soft-bristled toothbrushes. Moreover, don’t forget to floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque in your teeth. If you are facing problems while flossing, you should consider several alternatives such as water flossers or an interdental brush to clean it properly.
2. Stay Hydrated
You should keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water especially when you problem with dry mouth. Drinking enough water helps keep your mouth moist and removes away all food particles while diluting harmful acids. You can also go for chewing sugar free gum as it helps in simulating saliva production.
3. Regular Dental Checkups
You should make your visit on a regular basis to your dentist for examination, cleaning, and detection of any issues in your mouth. It helps in catching any potential problems such as diseases, oral cancer, or cavities before they become severe issues.
If you wear dentures, ask your dentist to check their fit to prevent irritation or discomfort.
4. Consider a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Maintaining healthy gums and teeth refers to the maintenance of a balanced diet rich in different aspects such as vitamin D, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Various foods such as fish, leafy greens, and dairy products are rich sources of healthy bones and balance the integrity of teeth. You should also avoid sugary drinks and snacks as they contribute largely to gum disease and tooth decay.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking is injurious to health and your dental health is not any exception in it. If you smoke, it is the right time to quit smoking as this is the best thing you can do for your dental health. Smoking leads to tooth loss, oral cancer, and gum disease. If you are not able to quit, seek help from the doctor and ensure your oral health is maintained.
Conclusion
With the growing age, the changes in our dental health are no exception but it would inevitably lead to significant oral problems. With the adoption of the right care, a proactive approach, good habits, and regular checkups, you can have a healthy smile throughout your life.
Understanding the unique challenges that aging brings to dental health empowers you to make informed choices that protect your teeth and gums for years to come. If you are still struggling with your oral dental care, Elite Dental Group will assist you rightly.