Do Dental Problems Increase With Age?

Getting older has perks, but the physical effects can be a drag. From hair loss to joint pain to weight gain, it can seem like everything is falling apart. And then there’s our teeth. If you’re over 50, you may be dealing with chipped or broken teeth, clenching and grinding, stains and gum disease. It doesn’t give us a lot to smile about. The strong, healthy teeth that have served us for decades are letting us down, which can take a toll on our self-confidence. It’s true: our dental needs evolve with age. Our body changes, and we start to feel the effects of decades of wear and tear. The good news is that more adults than ever are keeping their natural teeth into the golden years. We can proactively protect our teeth with diligent oral health practices and a healthy lifestyle.

How Does Aging Affect My Oral Health?

Aging takes a toll on our teeth and gums. It isn’t always because we’re doing something wrong. However, there are steps we can take to combat it. Here’s a look at how aging affects our oral health.

• Natural changes in our teeth and gums: The physical and hormonal changes our bodies undergo affect our oral health. For example, our enamel wears away over time, leading to increased sensitivity and yellowing teeth. Receding gums can lead to exposed roots and increase the risk of decay. Like our bones, our teeth often become more brittle, making them prone to chipping and breaking.
• Decreased saliva production: Medications and natural changes can lead to lower saliva production and the condition known as dry mouth. Because our saliva plays a vital role in washing away food particles and bacteria, dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Bone loss and osteoporosis: many of us are aware of the effects of osteoporosis on our bodies and spines. However, bone loss also impacts our oral health. Decreased bone density can lead to loose teeth and changes in bite alignment. It can also affect your jawbone, making your teeth less stable overall.

What Are Common Dental Concerns In Older Adults?

• Gum disease is one of the most significant oral health problems for older adults. One study showed that two-thirds of Americans over 65 have gum disease, with 23 percent experiencing severe cases. Decreased immunity plays a role in gum disease; medications and chronic illness can also affect periodontal health.
• Older adults are at higher risk for tooth decay and cavities. This is partly because of natural changes like dry mouth and receding gums. However, it can also be related to changes in lifestyle and routines. For example, limited mobility can make regular preventive care like brushing and flossing more challenging.
• Tooth loss can occur due to gum disease or wear and tear. Restorations like bridges, implants and dentures may require special care.
• Oral cancer: the risk of oral cancer rises with age. Most oral cancers are diagnosed in patients 50 and over with a history of tobacco use. Oral cancer screenings are one of the most important reasons to stick to regular checkups with your family dentist as you age.

What Are Special Oral Health Concerns For Older Patients?

If it feels like you have more oral health problems as you age, you’re right. Here’s a look at some reasons older Americans have more dental concerns.

• Medications: As we age, we may need prescription medications for various health conditions. Unfortunately, the medicines we rely on to stay healthy can have side effects, including oral health challenges. Some prescription drugs are linked to dry mouth, gum inflammation or bleeding gums. The good news is we can often mitigate the side effects with increased hydration, mouth rinses designed to fight dry mouth and other tools.
• Physical limitations: Dental care can be tough for patients with chronic illness and cognitive decline because of physical limitations or memory loss. Caregivers can help loved ones with routine oral health care. Your family dentist can also offer solutions, including topical fluoride treatments (like those given to children) for extra protection and silver diamine fluoride treatments for early-stage cavities.
• Managing dentures and other oral appliances. If you have dentures or restorations, seeing your family dentist regularly is vital to ensure your appliances fit properly and make eating and talking comfortable.

What Are Common Myths About Dental Care and Aging?

• Myth #1: Tooth loss is an inevitable part of aging. Remember when it seemed like dentures were an unavoidable part of the aging process? That’s no longer the case as more Americans age with their natural teeth. With proper care and routine checkups, your teeth can last a lifetime
• Myth #2: Dentures mean no more trips to the dentist. Even though more Americans keep their natural teeth, getting dentures is still essential for many patients. However, dentures require maintenance and regular checkups; you still need screening for gum disease and oral cancer.
• Myth #3: Older adults don’t need fluoride. Fluoride helps keep our enamel healthy at any age. In fact, many older adults may need extra fluoride through topical treatments, mouth rinses and high-fluoride toothpaste.

How Can I Take Good Care Of My Teeth As I Get Older?

Instead of letting excellent hygiene go as we age, let’s take extra steps to keep our teeth healthy and strong. Here are a few easy ways to protect our teeth:

• Don’t slack on oral hygiene. Keep up your daily brushing routine with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Talk with your dentist about oral rinses for extra protection. If keeping up with dental care becomes challenging, let your family dentist or a family member know, and we’ll help you find a solution.
• Great nutrition is essential for our overall health as we age. It also helps keep our teeth and gums strong and healthy. Calcium and vitamin D keep teeth and bones strong. Talk with your doctor about supplements if you don’t get enough in your diet. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods is more important than ever to prevent cavities and keep your tooth enamel intact.
• Routine checkups are more important than ever. Some older adults think seeing the dentist every six months is no longer important. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Your twice-yearly checkups are still essential to catch potential problems early, and professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup in ways at-home care can’t. Plus, oral health is directly tied to your overall health and routine check-ups may catch other possible problems early.

At Greenhill Family Dental Care, we love helping patients of all ages care for their teeth and gums. We’re attuned to the unique needs of older patients and the extra care that’s often required. Our goals are to help you keep your natural teeth when appropriate, make eating and talking easy and sustainable and help keep you happy and confident with your smile. And as a bonus, the steps you take to improve your oral health support your overall health. We think that’s a win-win.