Dental Concerns Seniors Should Be Aware Of

websitebuilder • March 1, 2018

As you age, you may notice your body doesn't function as well as it used to. Your hearing and eyesight aren't quite as sharp, your reflexes are more sluggish, and it takes you a little longer to get around than it did when you were younger.

You may not realize it, but age also affects your teeth. When you gain more life experience, you'll find that your teeth need a little more care to stay healthy. Age causes a higher risk for a number of oral health problems.

Darkened Tooth Color

Most older people have darker teeth because of years of eating and drinking stain-causing foods and beverages. In addition, the dentin, the bone-like tissue in the center of tooth enamel, also becomes yellower over time. The outer enamel also thins, allowing the yellow dentin to show through.

Dry Mouth

Over 500 various medications cause dry mouth. Older people tend to take more of these medications, which treat conditions such as asthma, allergies, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, pain, depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. If you are taking any medications that cause dry mouth, it's important to tell your dentist about them. He or she can recommend treatments.

Increased Cavities

Decreased saliva flow caused by dry mouth can lead to greater cavities. Saliva usually works by controlling the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause cavities. Treating dry mouth should also aid in preventing cavities.

Reduced Sense of Taste

With advanced age, most people experience a diminished sense of taste. Lack of taste can be enhanced by certain medications, diseases, or denture use.

Gum Disease

With greater levels of bacteria and plaque, older people are more susceptible to gum disease. This condition can be worsened by tobacco use, embedded food particles, dentures and bridges that don't fit properly, and poor diet. Certain diseases like diabetes, anemia, and cancer also aggravate gum disease. Symptoms include swollen gums, recessed gums, and greater bleeding.

Unfortunately, since most gum disease is painless, many people don't realize they suffer from the disease until there is considerable damage. When gum disease is advanced, it can actually destroy the gums, ligaments, and the jaw bone.

Root Decay

Receding gums cause the roots of the teeth to be exposed. The exposed roots are vulnerable to acidic foods, more so than the crown of the tooth (which is protected by tooth enamel).

Tooth Loss

Gum disease can also lead to tooth loss. Excessive cavities and root decay can cause teeth to be so damaged that they must be removed.

Uneven Jaw Bone

Many people who lose teeth because of gum disease also experience jaw bone loss. The remaining teeth tend to shift into the open spaces. The roots of teeth stimulate jawbone health so that when the dentist removes them, the bone can deteriorate in the open spaces.

Mouth Cancer

The majority of people who are diagnosed with mouth cancer are over 40. The average age of diagnosis is 62, so older people are typically at greater risk of developing cancer in the mouth. It's important to visit the dentist regularly to ensure early detection. Symptoms of oral cancer include red or white patches, open sores, and changes in the lips, the lining of the mouth, and tongue that lasts longer than two weeks.

Schedule an Appointment With Your Dentist

As a senior, you'll have to take a little more care of your teeth to prevent cavities, gum disease, and bone loss. One of the main causes of tooth decay is dry mouth. So it is imperative that seniors find solutions to increase saliva flow and reduce the production of cavity-causing bacteria.

Now that you know what dental problems are a greater problem for seniors, schedule an appointment with your dentist to ensure your teeth stay strong and healthy.