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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.
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