6 Common Dental Issues as We Age

Aging brings not only body issues but also rising dental conditions that can be prevented or treated. Today, I have invited a dentist to discuss the six common dental issues as we age.

6 Common Dental Issues As We Age

Gum Diseases

Another common dental problem associated with aging is gum disease. It has two stages: the first is gingivitis, which is reversible when treated at the right time. If not treated, it can lead to a more serious condition, periodontal disease, which is the second stage of gingivitis.

But what is gingivitis? It is the inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup in your gums. This can turn into a periodontal disease that destroys the gums. With time, if you don’t treat this, it may lead to tooth loss.

Read more about Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums

Dry Mouth

Saliva might not get much credit, but it plays a superhero for a healthy mouth. It shields your teeth from decay and supports gum health.

With age, your salivary glands don’t produce enough of it, letting the dental problems creep in. When this happens, your food won’t taste the same, chewing or swallowing feels like a chore, or mouth sores pop up out of nowhere. Worse, it can lead to gum disease, cavities, or even oral yeast infections like thrush. For older adults, dry mouth often traces back to medications for managing things like cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, or pain.

Crowded Teeth is another Dental Issue

With age comes teeth shifting, causing teeth to overlap and crowd in your mouth. Crowded teeth can then lead to many dental problems, such as cavities, enamel erosion, tooth decay, and even tooth loss due to constant wearing.

Poor denture care can be the main cause of crowded teeth in seniors over 50. Adult braces, spacers, and even retainers can treat this issue.

Oral Cancer

Anyone can easily develop oral cancer if they chew tobacco or smoke regularly. However, people above 50 are at high risk because of reasons such as chronic gum irritation from fillings or dentures, poor oral hygiene, HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, excessive alcohol consumption, and immunosuppressants.

Bad Breath

For people older than 50, bad breath can be a sign of more than poor dental hygiene. It may be caused by dry mouth, other dental problems, or improperly cleaned dentures or dental appliances.

If you are a senior over 50 and experience bad breath even after regularly practicing proper dental hygiene, you should consult a dentist to understand the root cause of it.

Damaged Enamel

Aging comes with wear and tear in your tooth enamel, leading to dental problems like discoloration of the tooth. Tooth discoloration happens when the opaque white layer, known as enamel, wears out, exposing the natural yellowness of your dentin, the layer after the enamel. This yellow color becomes more visible with age, making your teeth look discolored.

Once the enamel is damaged, you cannot reverse it. But you can treat tooth discoloration with different solutions, depending on the reasons it is associated with. Here are some ways to help seniors tackle this common dental problem:

• Veneers
• Bondings
• Avoiding teeth-staining drinks and food
• Applying correct flossing and brushing techniques

Take Preventive Measures Before It’s Too Late!

Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential no matter your age, but it becomes even more important as you age. Begin with the basics of oral hygiene: Brush and floss daily, preferably twice a day. Yes, flossing is essential even for seniors, as debris may collect between your teeth, causing dental problems like plaque buildup that could lead to gum diseases, cavities, and enamel erosion.

Keep track of your dental visits to spot and treat oral issues early. These common age-related dental concerns remind us how vital it is to prioritize regular check-ups. If you live in the Salem area, consulting a good dentist in Salem, MA, is a great way to take preventive measures before your dental issue becomes a major one.

Author Bio: 

Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental clinic in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis, and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental communities with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and the latest treatment modalities.

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