Along with the inevitable wrinkles and grey hair that are hallmarks of aging comes deteriorating oral health. Even if you have been diligent about brushing, flossing, and keeping your twice-annual dental cleanings and exams throughout your life, an aging smile is more likely to encounter problems than a younger smile. Here are some of the most common oral health issues for the aging population and what can be done about them.
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Gum Disease
Close to half of all Americans over the age of 30 have some sort of periodontal disease. And people over the age of 65 are 70 percent more likely to develop gum disease. While the severity of gum disease varies, one common thread is that, if you’re maintaining your oral health by seeing your dentist regularly, she is more likely to catch gingivitis before it turns into full-blown gum disease.
When left untreated, as is often the case when people neglect their dental health, avoid the dentist because of poor oral health, or don’t have dental insurance, gum disease can develop into tooth loss and receding gums, preceded by bleeding, swollen, or sensitive gums.
If you already have loose teeth, it is not always easy to put them to rights. Periodontal treatment will be necessary to clean the foundation of your smile, but then it will be time to discuss restorative dentistry treatments like dental implants, dentures, and bridges to get your smile back in working order. 4 restorative dentistry solutions for a broken crown >>
Tooth and Gum Stains
Your teeth work hard every day to break up the food you eat and, over time, stubborn stains can settle on your teeth, especially if you nurse a coffee habit or soda addiction. It’s also not uncommon for enamel thin as you age, which can cause your teeth to develop a yellowish or brownish hue. Plus, old silver fillings – while also being toxic to your health due to the mercury content – can leech into your gums and make them look grey.
The first plan of action should be to have the fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations, a composite filling that is healthier and safer for your mouth. Plus, its shading makes it blend in with your natural teeth so no one will need to know that you have a filling.
Many tooth stains can be eliminated with professional teeth whitening. The bleaching agents are powerful. However, an aging smile is unique in that it is not always easy to completely eliminate tooth stains – they may need to be covered up instead. In cases like these, it’s time to discuss porcelain veneers, which correct a host of oral health problems, from stains to gaps to misalignment.
Chipped and Cracked Teeth
Age simply puts you at greater risk for tooth deterioration, and your teeth are far more prone to chips, cracks, and breaks. Even hairline imperfections leave your teeth susceptible to bacteria and acids, setting you up for decay and cavities. And the breaking of one tooth leaves the neighboring teeth far more likely to endure damage as well since you’re acting differently to compensate for the broken tooth.
Even existing restorative dentistry or cosmetic dentistry procedures can be broken. Plenty of these treatments last for decades, but eventually those decades end and new repairs will need to be made. It may be necessary to get dental crowns, or even dental bonding to repair your teeth and protect them so that they can work as necessary to help you eat and speak and show off a nice smile.
If you find yourself dealing with age-related oral health problems, or any oral health concerns at all, make your appointment with Dr. Shaista Najmi at Ivory Dental in Jacksonville, Florida, to discuss your smile makeover.