How Does Getting Older Affect Your Teeth?

It’s no secret that aging can impact your body and your overall health. Unfortunately, this includes your teeth and gums!

Weakened Tooth Enamel

While tooth enamel is the hardest surface in your body, it’s not invincible. Your tooth enamel can become weaker and more brittle with age. A diet chronically high in sugary snacks, juice, and soda can accelerate enamel erosion due to acidic toxins produced by bacteria that eat sugar. Additionally, grinding or clenching your teeth can damage enamel and lead to cracks and chips.

There are several preventive measures you can take to protect your tooth enamel:

• Maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home – brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, brush your tongue, and floss every day
• Visit our office every six months for a professional cleaning & checkup
• Consume a balanced diet low in sugar
• Avoid tobacco products
• Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports
• If you grind you teeth, wear a nightguard & look for ways to decrease your stress

Decreased Saliva Production

Aging is associated with a drier mouth. Dry mouth can be caused by medications and dehydration. Because saliva helps clean your mouth and fortify your teeth against decay, dry mouth may increase your risk for bad breath, gum disease, and cavities.

Stay hydrated to promote the production of sufficient saliva. Sucking on sugarless candy or chewing sugar-free gum can also stimulate saliva production.

Teeth Sensitivity

You may experience more sensitive teeth as you get older. This can be the result of multiple factors, such as wear and tear on enamel, gum recession, decay and other dental issues.

Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and antisensitivity toothpaste twice a day and gently floss every day to reduce tooth sensitivity. A fluoridated mouthrinse can also help combat Dr. Beauchamp often recommends that patients use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth or add a fluoride mouthwash to their routine to combat tooth sensitivity.

Wedington Family Dental in Fayetteville, AR

We love helping patients of all ages maintain good oral health. Please contact us to schedule your next appointment at Wedington Family Dental so you can ask our team about additional ways to preserve your teeth and gums as you advance in years.

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