Take care of your teeth and gums from ageing

by Wildsmile

The passage of time is inevitable for everyone and usually affects every system and organ in our body; obviously our teeth and gums are no an exception. In this article, we tell you about the changes your teeth and gums will undergo as a result of ageing.

Age-related changes in teeth and gums

The most common age-related changes in teeth and gums are visual or aesthetic, those problems that are noticeable to the naked eye, but there are also others that are internal and are no less important.

Change in tooth colour

One of the most common signs is the change in the colour of the enamel, it is natural for teeth to lose their shine and colour over time. This can be caused by multiple factors, such as drinking coffee, citrus fruits or smoking.

Gum recession and tooth loss

Gum recession is one of these problems which, although not perceptible to the naked eye, cause great discomfort to those who suffer from it. Gum recession is when the gum shrinks and leaves the tooth root exposed, consequently, the bone and periodontal ligament that supports the tooth is lost. This is one of the main reasons for tooth loss.

If you want to know more about gum recession and tooth loss, we recommend you read: GUM RECESSION: KNOW ITS CAUSES, HOW TO AVOID IT AND TREATMENT

Xerostomia

Another condition caused by ageing is xerostomia or dry mouth disease, as saliva production decreases over time, which is closely associated with taking medication to control diseases such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, chronic pain, etc. Dry mouth contributes to weakened gums and receding gums. Xerostomia also increases the probability of tooth decay and halitosis, i.e. bad breath.

Oral Cancer

This is one of the most common cancers in people over 45, caused mainly by bad habits such as smoking and alcoholism. Excessive consumption of these two substances greatly increases the risk of oral cancer.

Dental Caries

Dental caries is the disease that most affects human beings all over the world. According to WHO data, 2.3 billion people suffer from permanent caries and more than 530 million children suffer from caries in their milk teeth. These are alarming statistics for a disease that is entirely preventable thanks to good oral hygiene. Cavities in older adults are very common as they are more susceptible to receding gums, xerostomia and neglect of oral hygiene.

Know more about dental caries: DENTAL CARIES, YOU BETTER DETECT IT ON TIME!

How to protect your teeth and gums from ageing

No matter what your age is, dental care greatly contributes to maintaining a healthy mouth and teeth for life, as well as proper eating habits and eliminating harmful substances such as tobacco.

- Brush your teeth three times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush

- Floss at least once a day at night.

- Visit the dentist every six months.

- Avoid or reduce consumption of sugary drinks and foods.

- Stop smoking.

Good oral habits, as well as REGULAR VISITS WITH YOUR TRUSTED DENTIST will go a long way to ensure healthy teeth and gums all our lives.

You may also be interested in reading: NEGLECTING YOUR TEETH CAN BE VERY EXPENSIVE