What oral health changes are expected as you age?

Oral health changes are normal as we age. Wondering what you can expect from ageing teeth and gums, and how to keep your smile strong and healthy? Read on to learn everything you need to know from the Winnipeg dentists at Regent Avenue Dental Centre.

Dry mouth (Xerostomia)

Saliva production naturally decreases somewhat as we age, and there are also hundreds of medications that can contribute to dry mouth, including medications for high blood pressure, diuretics, antihistamines, and more.

Dry mouth makes it harder for saliva to mineralize the teeth and rinse away sugar and bacteria, which can contribute to a higher risk of cavities, so this is a serious issue.

Higher risk of cavities

Dry mouth is a major contributing factor to this, but the enamel also tends to weaken and wear down over time, so even if you rarely had cavities as a child or a younger adult, you may find that you begin to get cavities more often as you age.

Proper at-home oral hygiene, such as brushing twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, is the best way to help mitigate this issue and reduce your risk of tooth decay.

Higher likelihood of gum disease

Gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene and is much more common in older adults than it is in younger adults. In fact, 70% of adults over the age of 65 and older have gum disease, compared to less than 50% of adults aged 30 and older.

See your dentist regularly to avoid dental issues as you age!

At Regent Avenue Dental Centre, we’re always here to help patients in Winnipeg get the dental care they need at every stage of life. To catch these potential issues early and prevent them from getting worse as you age, make sure to see your dentist at our office regularly. Contact us online or give us a call at 204.817.8915 to schedule an appointment now.