Joy Lunan DDS News

The Aging Mouth: What’s Normal, What’s Not

The natural process of aging takes its toll on your teeth and mouth just

as it does your body. Here are some common oral health changes you

can anticipate as you age:

Enamel Wear -- Chewing, cleaning and the normal aging process means

your teeth will eventually wear down over time.

Darker Tooth Color -- Aging dentin (the tooth's middle layer) holds

stains easier than younger dentin, making your teeth appear slightly

darker.  On a positive note, custom at home whitening kits can be made

for if you in our office if you choose to lighten your teeth.

Gum Changes -- Aging gums naturally recede over time.

Cavities -- Cavities around the root of the tooth are more common as

you age. Any fillings you have are also aging and can weaken or crack.

A prescription toothpaste that is higher in fluoride may be prescribed for

you to help combat these cavities.

These other changes to your teeth and gums aren't normal and shouldn't

be overlooked. These symptoms could signal something more serious

and are reason to see us right away:

Tooth Loss -- Dental cavities and gum disease are the leading culprits

of tooth loss in seniors, but neither is a normal part of aging. If your

teeth and gums are healthy, there's no reason why your teeth should

fall out.

Dry Mouth – As you age, you may notice a reduced flow of saliva,

sometimes as a side effect of medical conditions, medications or

medical treatment. Saliva is important because it lubricates the

mouth and neutralizes the acids produced by plaque. Sometimes

patients need help with an artificial saliva product.

Bleeding Gums -- Bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal or gum

disease, a leading cause of tooth loss in seniors. But gum disease

is not an inevitable result of aging; it's caused by the build up of

plaque. Left untreated, gum disease is linked to other health concerns

like arthritis and heart disease. So please be sure to keep up with your 

routine hygiene visits with us and you’ll be sure to keep that healthy

smile.  Call to schedule an appointment today. (203)598-7920