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Age is a risk factor for various dental challenges. Everyday wear and tear can cause more damage than you imagine if you don’t follow good dental hygiene practices. Read on to learn how ageing can affect your gums and teeth.

Common Effects of Ageing on Oral Health

Dry Mouth 

Did you know that ageing can impact the production of saliva? As you get older, dry mouth can become a more common oral health condition that affects you. Factors such as poor dental health, medication side effects and chronic illnesses like diabetes can increase the likelihood of dry mouth in elderly persons.

Lost Tooth Sensitivity 

Natural changes occur in your body and brain as you get older. Your nerve cells start to shrink and break down, which can cause various health concerns, such as losing sensitivity in your mouth that signals when there are too many bacteria eating away at your enamel.

Consuming sugary foods and beverages might cause cavities that allow harmful bacteria to gain easy access to your teeth. As a result, you might not feel discomfort or pain related to tooth decay. These types of infections are usually associated with aggravated tooth loss.

Loss of Taste and Smell

Loss of taste and smell can lead to decreased appetite and poor nutrition. Your diet plays a role in preventing cavities and gum disease. Most importantly, a reduced vitamin C and zinc intake can increase the risk of swollen gums and oral infections.

Receding Gums

Gum recession is a common oral concern that occurs gradually, and most people are unaware they have it. Various factors, such as aggressive tooth brushing, incorrect dental care, and a history of bacterial gum infections, can worsen the state of your gums as you get older. The good news is that it can be treated by deep cleaning the affected area or undergoing gum surgery to repair the damage caused.

How to Maintain Healthy Gums and Teeth when You Get Older

Cut Down Wear and Tear 

You can keep your teeth healthy and prevent everyday wear and tear dental challenges with proper oral care. Even though your teeth are strong, they can still be vulnerable to enamel erosion caused by a lifetime of biting, chewing, and grinding. While you can’t reverse the damage caused over the years, you can follow these tips to improve the health of your teeth:

• Schedule a dental checkup to see if you require restorative procedures such as fillings or dentures.
• Don’t chew ice or consume hard foods.
• Avoid consuming acidic foods.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Maintain good oral hygiene practices.

Keep Your Gums Healthy 

There’s an ongoing reproduction of harmful bacteria in your mouth. The toxins released can damage and inflame your gums, causing swelling and bleeding when you brush your teeth. If you have poor dental hygiene, a sticky film of bacteria can harden on the surface of your teeth and cause severe infections.

As you get older, it’s crucial to keep your gums healthy to avoid:

• The risk of heart disease and stroke.
• An increased risk of respiratory tract infections.
• Poor mental health.
• Bad breath.
• Poor physical health.

Keep Your Mouth Hydrated 

Saliva protects your mouth and keeps your teeth clean. It helps you chew and swallow food, removing particles that might lead to cavities and infections. Additionally, it contains minerals and proteins that promote good oral health.

Health conditions and medications can impact saliva production as you age. A dry mouth can be an ideal environment for gum disease and rapid tooth decay. Drinking water throughout the day is crucial to reducing the risk of oral bacterial infections.

Remain Cautious of Sensitivity 

Fruits like oranges are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin C. However, they contain acid that can eat away at your tooth enamel. Consider these tips to improve tooth sensitivity:

• Use toothpaste that’s ideal for sensitive teeth.
• See a dentist to check out your gums.
• Use saltwater to rinse your mouth twice daily.
• Try to avoid acidic foods and beverages.
• Consider home remedies such as oil pulling with coconut or sesame oil.

The older you get, the more health concerns you might have. Your oral health should remain a priority to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Take advantage of your Affinity Dental benefits to schedule an appointment with your nearest network dentist today.