Many patients assume that certain oral health problems are a necessary part of the aging process. Even though tooth loss, recession, and broken or worn teeth can be more likely as we age, none of these dental issues are “just part of getting old.”
Getting Older Does Not Mean Getting Dentures!
For many past generations, dentures were just an assumed product of getting older. However, we now know that maintaining good care habits and nutrition throughout your life can prevent tooth loss. Most tooth loss happens in one of three ways. Either teeth are knocked out (trauma), they need to be pulled due to fractures or deep decay, or they become mobile due to bone loss (periodontal disease). While we can’t prevent every accident, we can prevent most tooth loss.
To keep your teeth in place, make sure you prevent decay and periodontal issues. I know, I know, we always say the same thing, but brushing and flossing really are the most important part of maintaining your teeth later in life. You may need extra tools to keep your teeth healthy as their shape changes over time, so ask your hygienist for tips on tricky areas.
Recession: Just Getting Long in the Tooth?
So many of my patients believe that recession is just a natural part of the lifespan of the teeth. While recession does become more common and more severe as we age, it is not a necessary part of aging. It is the cumulative effect of years of bad habits.
Most recession happens because of grinding, clenching, or an uneven bite. As the tooth receive abnormal pressure, it will flex slightly at the base of the crown, right where the gum line is supposed to sit. The attachment point for the gum tissue to the root of the tooth needs a stable place to sit, so it will start to move down the root of the tooth. Grinding and clenching can also cause bone loss from the socket of the tooth. Imagine pushing on a post in the ground, a few pushes every day. The hole around the post will slowly get wider and wider the longer you keep that up.
Recession may also be the result of bad brushing habits. Brushing too hard and using abrasive products will slowly wear on the gums and the enamel. At first, nothing will happen, but with years of keeping up those habits, recession and toothbrush abrasion will start to show.
Cavities Aren’t Just for Kids!
Many patients expect that they don’t have to worry as much about cavities once they are adults. After all, cavities, fillings, fluoride, all of that is kid stuff, right? Wrong! As we get older, our salivary flow usually decreases. On top of which, some of the most common medications can cause very severe dry mouth. As we have previously discussed, if your mouth is dry, bacteria will proliferate, and your teeth are at a much higher risk for decay.
Your teeth may also shift as you age. If your teeth shift apart, you may develop food traps. Anywhere that traps food frequently is at huge risk for cavities as sugars sit and break down against the tooth. On the other hand, crowding can make your teeth harder to clean, which can also lead to decay.
Another huge factor in your decay risk as you age is that recession thing we talked about earlier. If your have recession, the soft root surface of your tooth is exposed to the oral environment, where it would normally be hidden by the gums. Because this surface is porous and the type of bone is softer than the crowns of your teeth, exposed roots can develop cavities very easily.
Fluoride is vitally important as we get older. Many of my adult patients think it’s just for kids, but frequent application of fluoride is essential for adults, too. If you have especially severe dry mouth, you may even need a fluoride tray or prescription fluoride products to use at home.
Sure, aging can take a toll on our bodies, but here at Lake Baldwin Dental, we can at least help protect your smile. Oral health problems shouldn’t keep you from enjoying your retirement! Let us know if you have any concerns, and remember you’re never too old for a beautiful smile, Orlando!
