Maintaining the health of your smile matters at any age, but it’s important to know that some dental concerns become more common as you get older.
Here’s what to watch out for, and how to best protect your teeth and gums:
Gum disease
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which is the only stage that is reversible. If not treated, gingivitis may lead to a more serious, destructive form called periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss.
Gingivitis can cause red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or clean between your teeth. Or, you may not see any warning signs, which is one reason why regular dental exams are so important. Your dentist can still diagnose gingivitis even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms.
Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep gum disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily and eat a balanced diet.
Missing teeth
Did you know that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth?
A large space between your teeth may affect how you speak or eat. A missing molar can affect how you chew. Remaining teeth may shift and, in some cases, bone loss can occur around a missing tooth.
Options to replace a lost tooth or teeth include:
- Bridges. Attached to your neighboring teeth, bridges can be removable or fixed in place.
- Dentures. Dentures are an option if you’ve lost all or most of your teeth. Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth.
- Implants. Popular and effective, dental implants are most like a natural tooth.
Talk to your dentist about which option is best for you.
Sensitive teeth
If hot or cold foods make you wince, you may have a common dental problem—sensitive teeth. Sensitivity in your teeth can happen for several reasons, including cavities, gum disease, cracks, worn enamel or fillings, or an exposed tooth root.
Bring any concerns about tooth sensitivity to your dentist. They may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste or an alternative treatment based on the cause. Proper oral hygiene can help prevent sensitive teeth.
Dry mouth
Everyone’s mouth can be dry sometimes, but a mouth that’s always dry is a good reason to call your dentist.
Dry mouth is not a disease, but a symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications. Tell your dentist what medications you are taking and any other information about your health that may help identify the cause of your dry mouth.
Your dentist will check your teeth for signs of decay that can result from decreased salivary flow. They can also recommend methods to restore moisture, like sugar-free gum or oral rinses.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can affect the lips, gum tissue, check lining, tongue, jaw, the roof of your mouth, and the throat. It often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot, sore or swelling anywhere in the mouth or throat. Men tend to get oral cancer more often than women, and people over 50 are generally at higher risk.
Other symptoms of oral cancer include:
- sores that bleed easily or do not heal
- a thick or hard spot or lump
- a roughened or crusted area on or around the lips
- numbness, pain or tenderness
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
- problems when chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw
- the feeling something is caught in your throat
- being hoarse, or noticing a change in your voice
Regular dental visits can improve the chances that suspicious changes in your oral health are caught early, at a time when cancer can be treated more easily.
Lack of calcium in your diet
An essential nutrient, calcium is especially important as you get older to prevent bone loss or osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can happen in the jawbone and when it does, may lead to your teeth becoming loose or falling out.
The average adult needs 1,000 mg of calcium per day, with that amount increasing to 1,200 mg per day for women over the age of 50 and men over the age of 71. You can check the calcium content on a food label, but this is about 3 to 3.5 cups of milk or yogurt each day. Talk to your doctor if you’re worried about not getting enough calcium.
It’s best to get calcium from your diet. Plenty of foods and beverages are rich in calcium, especially dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt, which also contain other bone-building nutrients. See this list for non-dairy sources of calcium.
Some studies suggest that people who get their calcium from supplements are more likely to have a heart attack compared with those who take no supplements, but more research is needed in this area.