You have several decades of life experience — and so does your mouth. For years upon years, it has helped you (literally) taste the best that life has to offer. As time has passed, however, you may have begun to notice changes in the way your mouth works and feels. Is that normal? Let’s talk about how your mouth may change as you journey through your golden years and how you can enjoy sound oral health no matter how old you are.
Normal Changes in the Mouth
It’s common for the nerves in the teeth to grow smaller with age. You may therefore be less likely to feel pain or sensitivity when dental decay is in its early stages. That can lead to dangerously large cavities that call for extensive dental treatment. However, it is possible to prevent this issue via thorough oral hygiene and regular preventive visits to your dentist.
It is also worth noting that most individuals aged 65 and older are coping with at least one chronic health condition. Some of these conditions have a direct effect on oral health, whereas others have an indirect impact on the mouth due to the medications used to treat them. For example, quite a few medications cause dry mouth, which in turn can contribute to bad breath and dental decay. Again, this underscores the importance of routine dental visits. Your dentist can help you cope with such issues so your smile maintains its beauty and functionality for as long as possible.
Older age also brings with it an increased risk of periodontitis and bruxism (teeth grinding).
What Is Not Normal
Don’t let the above information scare you or fool you into thinking that your oral health is doomed. Tooth loss used to be considered a foregone conclusion for seniors — but it is not! In fact, with proper care, there is a good chance that you will be able to retain all of your natural teeth for the rest of your life.
Caring for Your Mouth as You Age
As you grow older, keep the following oral health tips in mind:
- Sip lots of water to counteract the dangers of dry mouth.
- Ask your dentist for recommendations to help you prevent and/or battle gum disease. For example, they might recommend that you begin using an antibacterial mouth rinse.
- Pay extra attention to oral hygiene (of course, this is good advice for individuals of any age!).
- Be aware of the side effects of your medications. If you feel one is posing a particular danger to your oral health, your doctor might be able to prescribe an alternative medication.
- Visit your dentist as often as they recommend. Most adults only need to go twice a year. However, more frequent visits may be necessary if you are coping with gum disease or another ongoing oral health condition.
Your smile is a gorgeous thing that reflects your years of experience and growing wisdom. Use the above tips to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Bryan Griffith is an accomplished general dentist in Prestonsburg. He offers comfortable preventive and restorative care with the goal of helping his patients’ oral health endure for a lifetime. If you would like to speak to Dr. Griffith about how you can maintain your smile’s well-being for many years to come, contact our office today at 606-874-9311.