Navigating Aging Changes With Your Oral Health

As you gracefully age, the natural processes of your body undergo various changes and oral health is no exception.

 

The aging process brings about physiological shifts that can significantly influence the state of your oral cavity.

 

Let’s delve into the impact of the aging process on oral health, encompassing alterations in saliva production, heightened risk of gum disease, and potential effects on your tooth’s enamel.

 

Moreover, I will explore the proactive measures and strategies you can adopt to navigate these changes and maintain optimal oral health well into your senior years.

 

Some crucial changes with their proactive measures in your oral cavity:

 

Changes in your mouth’s saliva production

The saliva your mouth produces plays a pivotal role in maintaining oral health by aiding in digestion, neutralizing acids, and preventing tooth decay.

 

However, when you get older, you are accompanied by a decrease in saliva production, a phenomenon known as hyposalivation. This reduction can lead to a dry mouth, also called xerostomia.

 

Dry mouth not only contributes to discomfort but also increases the risk of dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease.

 

How to address this issue

To address the challenges associated with reduced saliva production, you should prioritize hydration, that is, have a high intermittent intake of water.

 

You may also consider using saliva substitutes or artificial saliva products which can mostly be obtained from pharmacies.

 

Chewing sugar-free gum (xylitol gum) can also stimulate saliva flow, helping to alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

 

Gum disease

Alternatively you will be at an increased risk of gum disease or periodontal disease since these become a heightened concern with advancing age.

 

Your gums may recede, and this can cause an increased susceptibility to infections and inflammation. This gradual breakdown of the supporting structures around your teeth can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

 

How to rectify this

Routine dental check-ups must become crucial to you to aid in monitoring and addressing the early signs of gum disease.

 

Nevertheless, maintaining meticulous oral hygiene practices, including regular and proper brushing, flossing, and the use of antiseptic mouthwashes, should be imperative.

 

Additionally, going for professional dental cleanings and scaling will help you in managing and preventing gum disease.

 

Getting older possess potential effects on your tooth’s enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth. Enamel naturally wears down over time, making your teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.

 

Discoloration and thinning of enamel

This may also occur affecting the aesthetics of your smile.

 

How to counteract enamel erosion

Be mindful of your dietary choices, minimizing acidic foods and beverages.

 

Ensure that you use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to strengthen your teeth’s enamel, by providing an extra layer of defense against decay.

 

Brush your teeth twice daily, after breakfast and before residing to bed at night. Go for placements of dental sealants or fluoride treatments to further protect your aging teeth.

 

Conclusion

By embracing these strategies, individuals can age gracefully with a confident and healthy smile.

 

Recognizing the interconnectedness of oral health with the overall systemic health is important, especially at an older age. There is need or an interdisciplinary collaboration between dentists and other healthcare professionals.

 

So, when you visit your dentist, make sure you highlight to him/her if there are any other health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, leukemia, cancer or any other long term comorbidity that you may have and they would need to take into consideration before proceeding treatments with you. This will ensure that your medical care is well-tailored for you.