Aging and your teeth

As we age, our bodies change and our teeth are no exception. In fact, many patients, even those who have practiced exceptional oral health care, find they have more dental issues the older they get. So why is this?

  1. General wear and tear: Over the years, we ask a lot of our teeth. From chewing to brushing to grinding, the stresses we put on our teeth take their toll causing your smile to lose its vibrancy and your teeth to start to weaken.
  2. Medications: Taking medications for chronic conditions put you at risk for dry mouth, which can lead to oral health problems. If your mouth is dry, that means it isn’t producing saliva, which is what keeps decay-causing plaque away. Dry mouth also makes it hard to talk or swallow food.
  3. Shifting: As we age, teeth begin to lose bone strength, which can cause teeth to become loose.

What you can do:

  • Brush and floss regularly. Click here to read more about proper brushing technique.
  • Drink tap water. Most tap water contains fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay.
  • Visit your dentist. We want to see you at least two times per year and more if you are having issues.
  • If you wear dentures, make sure you clean them on a daily basis and take them out of your mouth for at least four hours per day.
  • Eat healthy foods that are low in sugar and high in fiber and eliminate tobacco and alcohol use.