4 common changes in oral health caused by aging and how to prevent them

This is a fact from life that as our age progresses, our bodies will change. And that includes our teeth and mouth. “The teeth take a lot of journey over time,” says the cosmetic dentist Dr. David WagnerDDS. “As we age, our mouth goes through interesting shifts. The gums can begin to pull back, making the teeth look longer and expose their roots. The production of saliva tends to slow down, which can lead to dryness and greater chance of cavities.” Your medicines can even affect your oral health.

These are age -related oral changes that you should be aware when it comes to your smileAnd what experts say you can do to prevent them.

Aging and oral health

Just like the rest of your body, your mouth changes as you age – even if you have not noticed. Your teeth may have shifted, your mouth may feel more dry and things are a little different than 10 or 20 years ago.

“As we age Chandler’s smilesS “Tissues in the mouth, including gums and cheeks, can begin to lose elasticity, leading to sagging or changes in the way the teeth fit together. The production of saliva can also decrease, which can contribute to the dry mouth and affect the general health of the oral lip. from loss of tooth loss. “

Your teeth also change with advancing age. The enamel begins to wear out, which can increase sensitivity and color and make them much more fragile.

Cosmetic dentist D -R Michael J. Wei, DDS, the founder of Manhattan Cosmetic in New York, says: “Aging can lead to tooth loss due to factors such as gum disease, decay and bad habits for oral hygiene over the years and teeth can shift or change the form of time.

4 Common dental changes associated with age

With aging, you are predisposed to some oral health problems. Dental experts have destroyed several of the most common people who are experiencing so you can be aware of what to be careful – and what to talk to your dentist.

Oral cancer

There is an increased risk of oral cancer with advancing age, which is why it strongly recommends that they be checked early and often.

“Another important factor to note is that the risk of oral cancer increases with age, so the projections of oral cancer are very important,” he says. “Make sure you visit your dentist regularly so that all dental problems can be solved to maintain optimal oral health.”

Research Show that the risk of oral cancer increases after the age of 40 and is significantly higher in men than in women. As the risk continues to increase with age in all races and genders, the highest concentration is detected in non-eating white men between the ages of 65 and 74.

Gum disease

Adult adults are also more likely to experience gum disease. While gum disease can occur at any moment of your life, this inflammation can get more common later and cause dental problems.

“Gum disease can become greater care, which will potentially lead to tooth loss if not managed effectively,” says Dr. Wagner.

D -R Vey adds that gum disease – which occurs when the gums are inflamed and, if left untreated, begin to withdraw and wear out – can lead to even more serious problems with oral health. It sounds Dr. Wagner, warning that this can eventually lead to teeth loss.

Dryness

According to Dr. Wei, the presence of dry mouth becomes more problem with aging. He notes that saliva production can decrease with age, which means that some people have more problems with the presence of dry mouth, leading to “oral health problems”.

Dr. Wagner adds that dry mouths in the elderly also means that their teeth break down more quickly. This is because saliva helps to keep germs in your mouth. When saliva decreases, it is more difficult to maintain the health of the oral cavity as per National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial ResearchS

Plus, many medicines contribute to dry mouth, which is the reason why it is a common problem for adult adults. Fortunately, dry mouth can be treated if you are talking to your doctor about it. Drinking a lot of water also helps to fight this problem.

Breakup

The breakdown of the teeth or cavities can happen to many adult adults, as the enamel begins to decay on the teeth with age.

“The breakdown can become more common, especially around older fillings or on open roots, especially in the presence of a dryer,” says Dr. Wagner, noting that this is when this dry mouth becomes a complex problem because it leads to so many problems.

According to Dr. Wei, some medicines can also contribute to the breakdown of the teeth. Therefore, it is important to mention all the recipes of both your doctor and a dentist if your teeth start to show signs of problems – the medicine may be the main cause.

How to take care of aging teeth and gums

Walk regularly to the dentist

It is understood that regular visits to a dentist are a must. This is something you have to do throughout your life, but it is even more important with aging because your teeth and mouth are more brittle. “It is essential for adult adults to strengthen their routine of dental care. Regular tooth visits are crucial for capturing problems early,” says Dr. Wagner.

Keep the right diet

Adhering to the right diet will not only keep your body healthy, but also your teeth. D -R Wei says, “Remember to have a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and other essential nutrients for healthy teeth and gums.” Avoiding too much sugar is also a good idea, adds Dr. Wagner.

Take care of dentures

If you wear prostheses, D -Hthon says it’s crucial to be sure that they fit properly on your mouth (no matter your age, but especially if you’re older, as your mouth and gums change your shape slightly). As they sit on your gums every day, they should fit well – so he recommends treating them with the most care.

Stay hydrated

As the elderly are at a higher risk of dry mouth, all three dentist specialists recommend drinking plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. It’s not a bad idea to even use saliva replacements. “Staying hydrated is also essential for the fight against dry mouth, as the lack of saliva can increase the risk of dental breakdown,” says Dr. Heathon.

Use fluoride

All three dentists sing the praise of fluorine to keep your teeth clean and strong. Dr. Wagner says: “The use of remineralizing agents such as fluoride products and hydroxyapatitis helps to strengthen enamel and prevent decay.”

Bottom line

As we age, our mouth, along with the other bodies, change. Monitoring your teeth carefully can help you capture common problems such as gum disease early, so you can turn to them before they get worse. Frequent visits to the dentist are important as well as Brushing And flossing and a proper diet rich in vitamins and minerals (and not too much sugar).