Caring for Ageing Teeth
Getting older doesn’t have to mean losing your teeth and having dentures, but you do need extra care and attention to keep them healthy. With the wisdom of age comes an entirely new set of challenges for your teeth, but with these tips, you’ll be better prepared to care for your ageing teeth.
More Years, More Wear
Teeth are designed to last a lifetime with regular maintenance, but years of chewing and crunching can wear down the biting surfaces as well as your enamel. Thinner enamel sometimes allows the yellowing dentin inside the tooth to show through, which can make your teeth look dull. Cracks can begin to appear, and if your diet isn’t as good as it could be, you will be more susceptible to tooth decay.
Health Risks for Ageing Teeth
As you get older, your gums recede which exposes the roots of your teeth and makes them more prone to decay because they don’t have a protective covering of enamel. Tooth loss can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, which can make your jaw uneven and teeth misaligned.
Older people have a higher risk of gum disease simply because they’ve been around longer, or because reduced dexterity means they can’t brush and floss as effectively as before. Many medications can cause a dry mouth which in turn causes bad breath, difficulty swallowing, and increases your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Overall Health
Your overall health affects your dental health and vice versa. Scientists have discovered a link between gum disease and diabetes, strokes, heart disease and breathing difficulties. Bacteria from gum infections can enter the blood stream and cause infections and other health problems within the body. Uncontrolled diabetes and high blood sugar can cause increased sugar in the saliva and eventually lead to tooth decay.
Proper Dental Hygiene
If you’ve practiced good dental hygiene all your life, your teeth should be in good condition, but now is not the time to let your routine lapse. It’s more important than ever to brush and floss at least twice a day, and to limit your intake of sugary food and drinks.
Visit Your Dentist
One of the best things you can do for your teeth at any age is to visit your dentist for regular check-ups. It’s one of the main considerations for having strong, healthy teeth well into old age. Establishing a good relationship with your dentist will ensure your teeth are well cared for and any problems are found and treated early to prevent further damage.
Dental Care – West Auckland
At Titirangi Dental, we provide caring, professional dental services for the whole family using the latest in dental equipment and technology. We’re dedicated to helping you maintain and improve your smile with a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry.
Call us on 09 817 6057, email us at reception@titirangi.wpengine.com or contact us online for enquiries and expert advice about looking after ageing teeth to keep them strong and healthy.
