{"id":20001,"date":"2022-11-29T14:46:23","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T19:46:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20001"},"modified":"2023-03-20T08:46:45","modified_gmt":"2023-03-20T13:46:45","slug":"how-aging-can-impact-your-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/how-aging-can-impact-your-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Aging Can Impact Your Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aging is inevitable, whether we like it or not, and it impacts all parts of our overall health. <\/span>That means teeth, too. Aging can have a significant impact on your oral health. <\/span>Studies have found<\/span><\/a> that older adults have a higher incidence of cavities and periodontal disease. Issues like dry mouth, problems chewing and swallowing, and gum inflammation are also <\/span>more common<\/span><\/a> among the elderly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding the impacts of aging on oral health will help you address these issues if they arise, and know how to treat them when they do. With a proper routine and regular dentist visits, you can still have excellent oral health in your golden years.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Gingivitis<\/h3>\n

Gingivitis is gum inflammation, which causes redness, swelling, and\/or bleeding in the gums. It may cause pain or soreness, but in some cases, it does undetected because it doesn\u2019t cause any discomfort. It is caused by the growth of plaque on the teeth, made up of bacteria which grows on the teeth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gingivitis is treatable<\/span><\/a>, but if left alone, it can develop into periodontitis, a gum disease that can cause serious dental issues, including tooth loss. To prevent gingivitis, brush your teeth and <\/span>floss regularly<\/span><\/a>. Avoid smoking, which can worsen oral health issues. And <\/span>visit the dentist<\/span><\/a> regularly for cleanings and checkups.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dry mouth<\/h3>\n

Dry mouth can be a <\/span>common side effect<\/span><\/a> of medications or a symptom of other illness, making it likelier in older age. It’s not only uncomfortable, but can worsen oral health in general, <\/span>increasing the risk<\/span><\/a> for dental decay and fungal infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

To treat dry mouth, you can drink more water, which lubricates your mouth and can boost saliva production. Over-the-counter medications like dry mouth tablets or rinse can also help with dry mouth. Avoid smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, which can further reduce saliva production. If your dry mouth is persistent and difficult to treat, <\/span>it may be time to visit the dentist<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tooth loss<\/h3>\n

Tooth loss is unfortunately quite common in older adults, though it has <\/span>declined dramatically <\/span><\/a>thanks to better oral health and public health messaging around dental care.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to research by the National Institute of Health<\/span><\/a>, American adults aged 65 or older have an average of 20 teeth left. Tooth loss is worse among low-income adults, smokers, and non-white adults. Tooth loss, also called <\/span>dental mortality,<\/span><\/a> is caused by extensive dental decay, periodontal disease, poor diet and poor dental hygiene. <\/span><\/p>\n

Before the tooth dies and falls out, these issues can be treated, but once a tooth dies, it cannot be saved. That\u2019s why good dental hygiene is important for keeping your teeth healthy well into older age.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To prevent tooth loss, <\/span>stick to a healthy diet<\/span><\/a> low in sugar and ultra-processed foods. Avoid sodas and other carbonated soft drinks, which wear away tooth enamel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Brush and floss your teeth regularly, and see the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. If you have already lost teeth, <\/span>getting dental implants<\/span><\/a> can help improve your appearance and make chewing and swallowing easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Changes in tooth sensitivity<\/h3>\n

One common oral health complaint among older adults is the change in dental sensitivity. For some seniors, teeth become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, making it more difficult to eat or drink certain things and causing discomfort during the winter. That sensitivity is caused by the <\/span>enamel wearing away as the years go on<\/span><\/a>, exposing the sensitive dental interior beneath the enamel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For others, aging causes the teeth to become less sensitive, making it harder to chew and swallow accurately. Changes in tooth sensitivity can cause an array of issues, including chronic pain or discomfort, chewing and swallowing issues or <\/span>sleep disruption.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

To treat it, you can try specialized toothpaste for sensititive teeth, take over-the-counter pain medication, and avoid very hot and cold foods and beverages. Talk to your dentist if the issue is causing serious pain and discomfort, or getting worse, which could be a sign of other dental issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Loss of taste<\/h3>\n

There are many reasons why aging can be accompanied by a loss of certain tastes and smells. <\/span>Researchers have found<\/span><\/a> that elderly people often lose their perception of sour and bitter tastes, and for some people, taste decline can also extend to salty and sweet tastes. These changes can disrupt eating habits and food preferences, or loss of appetite, leading older adults to get less nutrition, or to seek out stronger flavors that may have less healthy benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Medications can cause a loss of taste, as can illnesses like the flu, Covid-19 and the common cold. Other dental issues, like gum disease or dental decay, can make food smell or taste different. Though it may be difficult to cure a loss of taste as you age, you can seek out strong flavors that still provide a healthy diet. <\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of more salt and sugar, try adding more spices to your diet, like ginger, turmeric and garlic, which are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and will give your food a healthy, tasty kick.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tips for\u00a0maintaining good oral health as you age<\/h3>\n

While our oral health may change as we age, that doesn\u2019t mean we have to give up on a happy, healthy mouth. A great oral health routine will help you protect your teeth and gums, keeping you smiling no matter your age.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some tips for maintaining good oral health as you get older.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n