How to Take Care of Aging Teeth

For women over 50, knowing how to take care of your aging teeth is extremely important. Your teeth go through a lot of wear and tear, and you may experience the effect of changes in your oral health as you age.  This can lead to a number of dental issues, including discoloration, tooth decay, and gum disease.  

Over the years, your teeth can become darker, crowded, and chipped. Receding gums can also be a common problem among older adults. These issues not only affect the appearance of your smile, but can lead to tooth damage or loss if left untreated.

I have an elderly family friend, and every time I see her, she says , “I can’t eat ‘this’ or ‘that’ because my teeth are bad. I can only eat soft foods.” It’s sad to hear, and not a fun prospect if you are someone who enjoys eating (and I’m guessing that you do!). Hopefully, the information contained in this article will help you prevent this from happening. Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for aging teeth in women over 50.

Causes of Aging Teeth

We tend to lose tooth enamel as we age, leaving teeth vulnerable to damage and decay. Consuming food and drinks containing acid and sugar can cause teeth to erode and look yellow, which in turn can result in overlapping and gaps. There are several factors that can contribute to oral health issues in women over 50, including:

1. Hormonal changes that occur during menopause that can affect oral health. A decrease in estrogen levels can result in a reduction in bone density, which can affect your teeth and gums. Additionally, hormonal changes can lead to dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Genetics can play a role in the development of aging teeth and receding gums. You may be more prone to these conditions due to hereditary genes.

3. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common cause of receding gums. Gum disease occurs when bacteria in the mouth infect the gums and cause inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can lead to the destruction of gum tissue and bone, causing the gums to recede.

4. Trauma to the teeth or gums, such as from a fall or accident, can cause damage that can lead to dental problems.

Symptoms of Aging Teeth

The symptoms of aging teeth can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

• Tooth Sensitivity – As the gums recede, the tooth roots may become exposed, leading to tooth sensitivity.
• Longer Teeth – As the gums recede, the teeth may appear longer than usual.
• Loose Teeth – Receding gums can cause the teeth to become loose or shift out of position.
• Gum Inflammation – Inflammation of the gums, including redness, swelling, and bleeding may be present in individuals with receding gums.
• Bad Breath – Bacteria that build up in the mouth as a result of receding gums can cause bad breath.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options for oral health issues experienced by women over 50. These include:

1. Good Oral Hygiene

The best way to handle aging teeth is through prevention. Good daily oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash.  Having your teeth professionally cleaned every three to six months is also very important.. Avoid acidic foods like coffee, tea, soda, and red wine that can stain teeth. Brush well after eating foods that can also cause staining. Bad habits like biting pens or nails and chewing ice should also be curbed.

2. Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots. This procedure can help to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the gums.

3. Teeth Whitening

Whitening toothpaste with activated charcoal can help with external stains. Over-the-counter teeth-whitening products can also be effective after a professional cleaning. For internal tooth stains, professional whitening at your dentist’s office or custom bleach trays may be necessary. Tooth-colored fillings, crowns, veneers, bonding, and bridges don’t whiten, so discuss previous dental work with your practitioner before choosing a whitening option.

4. Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that involves the transfer of gum tissue from one area of the mouth to another. This procedure can help to cover exposed tooth roots and prevent further gum recession. Dental professionals often suggest gum grafting to address the issue of gum recession, which exposes the area of the tooth. This procedure involves extracting tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth to graft onto the affected area. 

5. Dental Restoration

Dental restoration can be used to cover exposed tooth roots and improve the appearance of the teeth. For repairing broken, uneven teeth or improving their shape, bonding, crowns and veneers are options. Bonding is affordable but can stain, darken, and chip. Crowns are widely recommended for tooth repair and are used in bridges, dental implants, or to restore a proper bite. Veneers are best for cosmetic purposes to transform your smile. They are expensive, but can optimize your smile based on the shape of your face and lips.

6. Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, can be used to straighten the teeth and improve the alignment of the bite. This can help to reduce the risk of gum recession and other dental problems.

Wearing a mouth guard can protect your teeth from grinding while you sleep. Teeth grinding can lead to headaches, sensitive teeth, receding gums, and worn-down teeth.  Clear aligners like Invisalign can also give you a brighter, straighter smile, but they come with a price tag. 

More Tips to Prevent Aging Teeth

• Maintain a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help promote good oral health and reduce the risk of gum disease.
• Quit smoking as it can increase the risk of gum disease, as well as other oral health problems. Quitting smoking is an important step in promoting good oral health and preventing many other physical health issues.
• Managing health conditions such as diabetes can help to reduce the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.

As women over 50, it’s important to take a multi-pronged approach to handling aging teeth.  If you experience any adverse symptoms, consult your dentist immediately to identify any potential problems early on.  By taking care of your oral health, preventing further damage, and exploring appropriate treatment options, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.

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