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The aging process has a profound effect on many of your body’s systems. Besides slowing down mentally and physically, specific areas of your body will begin to deteriorate. This includes your teeth and gums. Over time, you may find that your teeth: • Begin to lose their whiteness and appear more gray or yellow
• Start changing shape as a result of wear and tear
• Seem thinner and/or duller as your tooth enamel begins to lose its luster
• Become loose because of bone loss Your teeth may also become stained over time due to the consumption of the following: • Coffee and black tea
• Red wine
• Strongly colored foods like berries
• Tobacco use
• Certain medications Aging gums are also more prone to the development of periodontal or gum disease. One indication of gum disease is red or swollen gums that tend to bleed easily during brushing. If left untreated, periodontal disease will progress. In advanced stages, it can cause receding gums, bone loss and ultimately: tooth loss. Regular check-ups Despite how old you are, the most important method of defense against the wear and tear that aging has on your teeth is by maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing, flossing and an antiseptic mouth rinse. This is the best way to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Additionally, regular dental cleanings and exams are equally important. If your dentist sees you on a regular basis, he or she can detect any problems before they develop into larger, more serious ones that call for more extensive treatment. Dental problems among elderly adults Among older adults, dental problems are some of the most common health problems. Individuals over age 65 who still have their natural teeth suffer from more tooth decay than any other age group. This is yet another reason why routine check-ups are essential. Older people are more susceptible to:
Poorly fitting dentures: If you have dentures and you are an older adult, you should have them checked on a regular basis, as they can become uncomfortable and loose. Improperly-fitted dentures can cause problems with chewing, and can make it difficult to eat certain foods which can result in poor nutrition. Dry mouth: Elderly citizens tend to product less saliva. Saliva is a natural mouth protector that limits the growth of bacteria, cleanses your mouth of food, and bathes your teeth with protective minerals. Therefore a reduction in saliva production can result in tooth decay and gum disease and/or infection. Difficulty brushing and flossing: Older people also have a harder time flossing and brushing well because of problems with mobility in their wrists and hands. Vision problems are also a factor in less effective brushing and flossing. Oral Cancer: Oral cancer includes cancers of your throat, mouth, tongue, and lips. If you notice red or white spots, bleeding or sores in the mouth that fail to disappear within a few weeks, you should see your dentist or doctor. This may indicate an early sign of oral cancer. As with most aspects of aging, prevention is always best to avoid serious problems later down the road. A number of dental problems are preventable with good daily mouth care. If dental problems are caught early they are usually inexpensive and easy to fix. If you live in the Henderson, Las Vegas and Summerlin, Nevada areas, and you believe it is time to schedule a dental exam, please visit the Web site for Exceptional Dentistry to learn more about the services we offer.
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