Our teeth start to seem worn and ancient as we enter our golden years. In our latter years, we frequently experience gum disease, dental decay, tooth loss, dry mouth, and other oral health issues.
In our twenties, our oral health is at its optimum. Our immune system is functioning at its best. The mouth’s teeth have stabilized after nearly a decade of eruption. The teeth have not yet been harmed by our acidic diet. An irregular bite, bruxism, or sleep apnea have not subjected our teeth to excessive stresses. Additionally, the negative impacts of our hereditary vulnerability to tooth issues have not fully manifested.
The degradation of the tooth’s supporting structure and composition as we age is brought on by a number of reasons. In a nutshell, recurrent decay under previously completed dental work, like under crowns, is the most frequent source of dental issues. The best method to stop these issues is to have regular dental cleanings and checkups. The top 5 dental health issues that older people most frequently experience are as follows:
Gum Illness (Periodontitis)
Inflammation is typically the cause of gum disease in elderly people and other people. Periodontitis, often known as gum disease, is an illness that harms the gum-supporting tissue. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are linked to gum disease. Bone loss may potentially be the outcome.
Bubble Recession (Gingival)
Gum recession affects elderly frequently. The condition known as gingival (gum) recession exposes the tooth’s root. The teeth are immediately harmed because the root is 10 times more vulnerable to collapse from an acidic diet.
Loss of Crown or Tooth
Elderly people who experience premature tooth loss due to inflammation must replace their teeth with dentures. The denture can be supported by an implant; without one, it may occasionally be loose and difficult to chew, which might affect speech and appearance. However, many older patients start experiencing issues with the crowns they had put on top of their natural teeth or implants in the past.
Dry Mouth
Ages 65 and older make up 15% of the US population, yet they use 40% of all prescription drug costs (source). Adults fill an average of 14 prescriptions annually for diseases including high blood pressure or heart disease in those aged 65 to 69, and an average of 18 prescriptions annually for those aged 80 to 84.
Dry mouth is one of the most typical side effects of practically all drugs. Salivary flow is reduced as a result of dry mouth. The saliva cleans the tooth physically by acting as a buffer to cover the tooth.
Dental Decay
In particular on the exposed root surface, the decreased salivary flow leads to cavities and widespread tooth decay and discomfort. Finally, it’s important to note that teeth fractures and structural disintegration are more likely to occur in older teeth and gums.
Conclusion
The most frequent reason for dental issues is slow deterioration under previously completed dental repair. In order to prolong the life and improve the function of one of your teeth, for instance, a crown might be applied. Maintaining the health and integrity of your tooth beneath the crown is crucial. If you don’t have regular checkups and cleanings, you could develop a number of diseases, like total tooth loss. To avoid permanent dental issues like tooth loss, older persons should continually examine their oral health. This will protect past investments, such as an implant, and spare you from undergoing numerous difficult treatments in the future.