If you're wondering whether or not teeth change with age, they do! It's not just your imagination that your teeth have shifted or changed in shape and color. Feeling like your mouth is drier than normal? That's probably not your imagination either. Teeth can change quite a bit with age. It may not be anything to be alarmed about, but it's a good idea to keep an eye on the changes you're noticing to make sure your teeth aren't developing new problems that could harm your health. Access Dental and Dentures has the best dental clinics in southern Missouri and we are here to help you keep your teeth healthy and happy! Keep reading to learn more.
Discoloration
Unfortunately, teeth coloring is also common with age. The dentin, which is the core tissue in your teeth, becomes more yellow over time. The outside enamel on teeth then thins with age, causing the coloring of the dentin to show through. Eating and drinking certain things like coffee, wine, sodas, tea, some fruits and vegetables, and tobacco can also yellow teeth. Cutting back on these foods, drinking lots of water, and having a professional whitening can help you maintain a sparkling white smile.
Dry Mouth
As you age, you may find yourself being prescribed more medications to take by your doctor. With some of these medications comes the side effect of dry mouth. Due to the reduced amount of saliva being produced during dry mouth, foods and bacteria can stay in your mouth longer which leads to an increased chance of a cavity. Make sure to let your dentist know about all the medications you take and about any medical changes you've noticed.
Wear & Tear
Despite how careful you are, teeth usually wear down over time. You can help control the amount of wear and tear by watching what you eat. Chewing on ice can create enamel chips or completely break off teeth. While this may be a hard habit to break, if you want to avoid wear, you’ll want to ditch this habit. Teeth can also be worn down by a poor bite or night-time grinding. Dental appliances from Access Dental and Dentures can help prevent this kind of damage.
Gum Disease
Gum disease becomes more common with age also. It becomes an issue when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become irritated and swollen. Unfortunately, gum disease is often painless until it reaches a certain stage, so it can go undetected for a while. During advanced stages of gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth, allowing food and other particles to get caught within these pockets. Gum disease can destroy gums, bones, and the ligaments that hold teeth in place. This can eventually cause tooth loss.
Teeth Shift
Teeth also begin to shift with age. The two front lower teeth are often the first to shift due to the pressure on your teeth that are caused by wear and tear. Teeth shifting causes loss of bone, which causes gums to recede. A lot of stress that comes with aging is taken out on the jaw through grinding and clenching, which can cause wear on the enamel and even chipped teeth. Getting appliances to protect your teeth from clenching and grinding in the night can help prevent teeth shift also.
Check In With Your Dentist
As you notice changes in your teeth, it's a good idea to have your local dentist check your mouth regularly to make sure nothing unhealthy is happening with your teeth. When concerns come up, it's hard to tell whether they are natural changes with age, or something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible before it causes more harm. Give Access Dental and Dentures a call today to learn more about how we can help you keep your teeth healthy and happy!
