4 dental issues related to aging

It’s a fact that we’re all getting older. And as you get older, you can expect some wear and tear. This goes for your teeth and gums as well as the rest of your body.

In this post, we’ll look at some of the oral health problems you might experience as you get older, including tooth sensitivity, dry mouth and gum disease

1. Worn down enamel

The enamel on your teeth is one of the hardest and strongest parts of your body. However, even your enamel eventually wears down over time. It’s not surprising when you consider how much work your teeth do in a lifetime. When you reach the age of 50, You will have eaten around 55,000 meals, not to mention all the snacks.

Normally, some wear and tear on your enamel isn’t a problem, but when it gets serious, it can cause your teeth to feel sensitive and even painful, especially when eating things that are hot or cold.

It’s only natural that as you get older, your enamel wears down. However, the process can happen a lot faster if you grind your teeth, especially at night. The good news is that grinding can be prevented by wearing a mouthguard at night. Speak to your dentist if you think you could benefit from using one.

2. Tooth decay and gum disease

Ageing increases your risk of both tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these problems can ultimately cause tooth loss if you let the problems go on.

The best treatment is prevention – by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing as well. As you get older, it becomes more important than ever to maintain a good oral hygiene routine.

3. Dry mouth

Another problem associated with old age is dry mouth. This condition occurs when your mouth produces less saliva than normal, which often happens as you get older.

Because saliva helps fight against cavities and acidity, dry mouth increases your risk of tooth decay.

Fortunately, there are treatments for dry mouth. The most simple thing you can do is to drink more water, but your dentist can also give medications such as saliva boosters.

4. Looking after dentures

It used to be the case that many old people in the UK wore dentures. Nowadays, however, people are increasingly keeping their teeth, thanks to improvements in oral hygiene routines and the growing awareness about the dangers of sugar.

That said, many people still do wear dentures. If you’re one of them, then it’s important to get your dentures checked regularly. Loose dentures can be a sign that your jaw bone is shrinking because of the teeth you’ve lost. If this is happening, then a good solution is dental implants. This restoration method can prevent bone loss and even encourage new bone growth.

Conclusion

As you age, it gets more and more important to keep your teeth strong and healthy. By looking after your teeth and gums properly, you can ensure they’ll last you into old age.

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