Posted on 12/1/2023 by DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care
Aging is part of life, and it affects the body in various ways. It affects how different parts of the body work, including teeth and gums. When one gets old, they experience certain conditions that require them to take medication. Most of the medication affects the cells, tissues, and oral health. Here is how aging can affect oral health:
Gum Recession
The gum tissues become thinner and begin to recede with age. When the gum tissues pull away from the tooth, they create a good environment for bacteria to build up and form deep pockets. This results in gum inflammation and bleeding. If left untreated, infection will likely occur and cause severe damage to the gums and teeth. In addition, gum recession exposes the roots of the teeth. This puts you at risk of infection and sensitivity.
Cavities
Another change to expect as you age is enamel weakening. Due to the daily consumption of acidic foods and drinks, the enamel weakens, putting your teeth at risk of breaking and cavities. The good news is that you can maintain the strength of the enamel by using fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. In-office fluoride treatments are also a good option if you want to make your teeth strong.
Dry Mouth
Certain medical conditions or medications associated with old age can reduce saliva production in the mouth. Saliva helps to neutralize acids that are likely to weaken the enamel and gum tissues. Therefore, when you have a dry mouth, you are more susceptible to issues such as gum disease and cavities.
Tooth Discoloration
As you are aware, aging can cause enamel weakening and thinning. This exposes the dentin, which is pale yellow, resulting in tooth discoloration. Luckily, you do not have to wait until you experience these oral issues. Some dental practices can help to prevent them, but once they arise, be sure to consult a dentist before they worsen. Visit our office and find out more about how aging affects oral health.
About | Dentist Spring Hill, FL | DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi We here at O'Sullivan, DeLuca & Ressel Dental Care want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles! Click to learn more about us! DeLuca, Ressel, & Congemi Dental Care - Dr. James DeLuca DMD, Dr. Nick Ressel DMD, 3429 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609 + (352) 666-9898 + springhilldentist.com + 11/13/2024 + Key Phrases: dentist spring hill fl +