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Your Mouth And Teeth Age, Too As we age, so do our mouths. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth, your teeth and gums will undergo certain changes as you get older. Also, as you get older, you are more likely to take medications or have a disease that can affect your oral health. Here are some of the changes you might notice as you age.
Tooth ChangesChewing, cleaning, and the normal processes of life will cause your teeth to wear down over time. People who clench or grind their teeth may have more tooth wear than other people. You may notice that your teeth look darker as you age. That's because aging dentin — the tooth's middle layer — holds stains easier. Many older people experience increased plaque buildup on their teeth, but this is not a consequence of aging: It's related to other physical changes that can make it more difficult for you to follow a good oral-hygiene routine. For example, people with arthritis or neurological difficulties may not be able to clean their teeth as well, or may forget to practice regular oral hygiene. Changes To GumsYour gums naturally recede over time. If the roots of your teeth are exposed, your teeth can become sensitive. Fluoride rinses can decrease this sensitivity and also help prevent decay on the roots. General Oral ChangesSome oral changes are not caused by aging, but are side effects of medications or other diseases. For example, many drugs and some systemic diseases cause changes in the way things taste. Taste changes can cause nutritional problems because food becomes less attractive and people may not eat a balanced diet. Dry mouth is very common in older people, and is usually a side effect of medication: Hundreds of medications can cause dry mouth. Saliva normally washes away food particles and bacteria and helps keep your mouth clean; if you have dry mouth, the food particles and bacteria will stay around longer and are more likely to cause decay. Over-the-counter fluoride rinses can help protect your teeth from decay. You can moisten your mouth using artificial saliva, or by drinking lots of water or sucking on unsweetened lemon drops.
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