4 ways age can affect your oral health

Read time: 3 minutes

And what you can do to help protect your pearly whites.

With age comes wisdom, resilience … and yes, wear and tear on your teeth. But that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to a mouthful of problems as you age. These tips, along with regular dental checkups and cleanings, can help you keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.

Age-related dental changes

What you can do

Tooth wear

It happens to all of us — after a lifetime of chewing, biting and grinding, teeth wear down. Having a poor bite can also hasten the process.

Avoid chewing ice and hard foods.
If you grind your teeth while sleeping, wear a night guard.

Dental erosion

Over the years, sodas, sports drinks, acidic fruits and juices can erode tooth enamel … the hard, protective outer coating of your teeth. With enough erosion, your tooth’s dentin (the inner layer) can become exposed, leading to tooth sensitivity and cosmetic issues.

Drink acidic beverages through a straw to limit direct contact with your teeth.
If you can tolerate dairy, follow acidic foods and beverages up with milk or cheese to neutralize the acid.
Wait at least an hour before you brush your teeth after eating or drinking something acidic.

Gum problems

If left unchecked, a buildup of plaque on your teeth can lead to gum disease, or periodontitis. Common signs of gum disease include bleeding when you brush, receding gums, red or swollen gums, bad breath and loose teeth.

Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss once a day.
If you smoke, quit.
Call your dentist if you notice symptoms.

Dry mouth

Our mouths get drier as we age, increasing the chances of tooth decay. Certain medicines and health conditions like diabetes and Sjögren’s syndrome can also cause dry mouth.

Drink more water, and swish it around your mouth for a few seconds.
Suck on sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum.
If you take medications, talk with your doctor.

Age-related dental changes

Tooth wear

It happens to all of us — after a lifetime of chewing, biting and grinding, teeth wear down. Having a poor bite can also hasten the process.

What you can do

Avoid chewing ice and hard foods.
If you grind your teeth while sleeping, wear a night guard.

Dental erosion

What you can do

Drink acidic beverages through a straw to limit direct contact with your teeth.
If you can tolerate dairy, follow acidic foods and beverages up with milk or cheese to neutralize the acid.
Wait at least an hour before you brush your teeth after eating or drinking something acidic.

Gum problems

What you can do

Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss once a day.
If you smoke, quit.
Call your dentist if you notice symptoms.

Dry mouth

Our mouths get drier as we age, increasing the chances of tooth decay. Certain medicines and health conditions like diabetes and Sjögren’s syndrome can also cause dry mouth.