How Ageing Affects Your Teeth & Gums?

Ageing is a normal part of life, and like everything else in your body, your teeth and gums change with age. Even if you've kept good oral hygiene all your life, dental concerns because of age can still catch up with you. Once you gain an understanding of how aging affects your oral health, you can take appropriate action to keep your smile as long as possible.

Here are some specifics about how ageing can affect your teeth and gums, and how a local dentist in Buffalo Grove, IL, or an orthodontist in Wheeling, IL, can help you.

1. Tooth Wear and Tear

After years of biting, chewing, and grinding, your teeth will show signs of wear. Enamel—the hard outer layer of your teeth will thin over time. It makes your teeth more susceptible to decay, sensitivity, and chips.

Everyday habits such as chewing ice, teeth clenching, and opening packages with your teeth, can wear your teeth down over the years. It is necessary to be gentle with your teeth and visit a Buffalo Grove, IL dentist regularly for preventive care.

2. Receding Gums

As you age, your gums may start to pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth surface and even the roots. This can cause tooth sensitivity, higher risk of cavities near the gum line, and even tooth loss if left untreated.

Proper brushing techniques, daily flossing, and routine dental cleanings can help manage and slow down gum recession. If the recession becomes severe, your dentist may recommend specialized treatments or grafting procedures to restore your gum health.

3. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

As people grow older, it is common to experience a dry mouth, often as a side effect of medications for high blood pressure, depression, allergies, and many other conditions. Saliva is needed for many reasons including neutralizing acid, washing away food particles, and bacteria. If there is insufficient saliva, you are at increased risk of decay, or infection, or having bad breath.

If you are dealing with dry mouth, share with your dentist, as they may suggest drinking more water, using a saliva substitute, or if possible, changing some of your medications.

4. Tooth Loss and Dental Implants

Older adults may lose teeth due to gum disease, injury, or age-related wear. Missing teeth affect more than your smile; they can affect your ability to eat and speak comfortably. Fortunately, one of today’s most up-to-date solutions to replacing missing teeth is dental implants in Wheeling, IL.

Dental implants are strong and look like natural teeth. If you have missing teeth, you should let your dentist know if you think dental implants might be a solution for you.

5. Oral Cancer Risk

Older adults are the risk of developing oral cancer. Regular dental checkups are crucial because your dentist will examine your mouth for early signs of cancer, such as unusual sores or lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

Conclusion

Age will affect your whole body, including your teeth and gums, but the good news is that you can have a smile that looks and feels good with the right dental care for your needs as you age.

No matter whether it's regular checkups with a dentist in Buffalo Grove, IL, or elsewhere, taking the right action today can impact your smile for tomorrow.