What You Need to Know About Aging and Dental Health?

Dentist in San Juan Capistrano

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By Ortega Cottage Dentistry

As one gets older, it becomes even more important to take great care of your teeth. One misconception is that losing your teeth as you age is inevitable. However, this is not a fact. if you take proper care of your teeth, then they can last your entire life. Normally, one should know that a mouth gradually changes as years go by and one gets older. Normally the nerves in your teeth tend to become smaller and the tissues also tend to be less elastic and thin as well, the bones in the jaws tend to become dense and weaker, and your overall health becomes weaker by the day. This usually results in your teeth becoming less sensitive to decaying in their teeth which leaves you susceptible to contracting oral issues. If one doesn’t visit the dentist regularly for a check-up, this may result in complications and chronic oral defects. What You Need to Know About Aging and Dental Health is quite a wide field of discussion.

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Here are some common things you need to know About Aging and Dental Health.


Darkened Teeth

As one gets older, there is a change that normally occurs on the dentin which is the tissue that is embedded below the enamel of the tooth. It changes in color because of the foods and drinks that you consume. Besides discoloration of your teeth, the enamel tissue being weakened usually exposes the dentin which is yellow and this causes the teeth to be darkened.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is the most common oral problem that aged people normally raise concerns about. Dry mouth can happen to anyone out there. However, the medication that most people try to use may be the cause of these major issues. Most of these drugs are prescribed for asthma, allergies, anxiety, high blood pressure, anxiety and Alzheimer’s. One hazardous thing about a dry mouth is that it can cause serious dental cavities.

Mouth Cancer

Aging may put an older adult at a higher risk of contracting mouth cancer. This is especially if one has ever been a smoker at any given time in their lives. A common sign of mouth cancer is when a sore develops in the mouth, and does not heal. If by any chance you have experienced something sore in your mouth and there is no improvement noted in weeks ensure that you see your dentist so that you can be screened for mouth cancer.


Gum Disease

Gum related issues which can also be referred to as a periodontal disease is a common oral issue which is usually caused by some bacteria in plaque and tartar. It is a serious gum disease as it is ale to destroy the gum tissue and the bone which normally offers the kind of support your teeth needs. When the ability to take food in the right way and also swallowing it is greatly affected and this leads to serious malnutrition issues, and this can result in further gum issues. Certain diseases and conditions like diabetes and weak immune systems are usually common in aged people and it puts them at a risk for periodontal disease.


Denture Problems

Tissues around some areas of your mouth might experience issues like saliva pooling which will result in bacterial infections, cracking, and fungal infections. If you experience such symptoms, ask your doctor for the right gel to solve this issue.

Bottom Line

It is impossible to overstress the importance of regular dental appointments for aged people. When one is on these visits, your doctor will normally offer proper advice on several approaches to taking care of your teeth if those things become too difficult. If you have a member of your family or even a friend who is suffering from tooth issues due to aging, you can reach your dentist on the best ways of caring for your teeth as you continue aging.