3 Reasons People May Have More Issues With Their Teeth When They Are Older

Dentist Blog

Everyone knows that good oral health habits are important for kids so they can grow up with strong, healthy teeth, but good oral habits are just as important for adults. As you get older, your teeth and gums are typically more prone to problems, and this is why taking care of your teeth is an important part of your life at all ages. Here are three reasons you may experience more issues with your teeth as you get older.

Lack of good oral care throughout your life

If you start taking good care of your teeth and gums when you are young and continue these habits throughout your entire life, you will have a much higher chance of having healthy teeth and gums when you reach the age of retirement. The problem is, many people do not put enough effort into good oral care, and this causes issues with their teeth and gums.

Each time a cavity forms on one of your teeth, your tooth will lose strength. Eventually, decay can cause you to lose teeth, especially if it is not removed right away. More cavities when you are younger will usually result in more tooth problems when you are older.

The effects of medications

Older people tend to take more medications than younger people, and the medications they take can affect their teeth. One common side effect of many medications is xerostomia, which is better known as dry mouth. Dry mouth can be a frustrating problem to have, but that should not be your only concern. Dry mouth means your glands are not producing enough saliva, and this can lead to:

• Bad breath – Saliva helps clean your teeth, and it eliminates bacteria. When you do not have enough saliva, you may suffer from constant bad breath.
• More cavities – As saliva is produced, it works its way through your mouth cleaning your teeth. Without enough saliva, you may be more prone to developing cavities.

Teeth wear out

As you age, your teeth, gums, and muscles also begin to wear out just because they are old. Over time, teeth can lose their enamel, which causes them to weaken. The muscles you use to chew food also wear out, and gums can begin to recede over time. All of these things are natural parts of growing old, but you may be able to slow this process down by taking proper care of your teeth your entire life.

Developing good oral care habits at any age is a good step to take, but it is always better if you begin when you are young. For more information, contact Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA or a similar dental professional.

2 February 2016