Effects Of Aging On Teeth

Effects Of Aging On Teeth

Lets face it, we're all getting older and its just a matter of time before we start to notice that our bodies are starting to change, in a not some positive way. Read below and discover the effects aging has on our teeth and ways you can help preserve those essential little things we call teeth.

A number of toothpastes have started advertising that their products will prevent aging in teeth and restore a person’s teeth to their appearance when the person was younger. While these things sounds great, the aging process affects the teeth in ways that are frequently irreversible and have little to do with cosmetic appearance.

First of all, tooth loss is not part of the normal aging process. While tooth loss is not part of the aging process, it is more prevalent in older adults than it is in younger individuals. This is because of changes in the soft tissues of the mouth, a less effective immune system, increased systemic diseases, and a person’s decreased ability to perform adequate oral hygiene and self dental care. This decreased ability can be due to any number of causes. Some common causes include strokes, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or even Alzheimer’s. Another cause of tooth loss in older adults has absolutely nothing to do with a person’s abilities but has everything to do with the number of prescription and over-the-counter medicines that a person may be taking. These medications commonly cause dry mouth which can contribute to dental problems.

In general, with age, teeth become less white and more brittle. They lose some of their luster and are just less perfect than when the teeth were 20 years old. These things cannot be prevented but the general level of staining can be reduced if a person avoids tobacco, coffee, and tea. Like finger nails that thicken and yellow with age, teeth are the same way. In teeth, the underlying dentin can darken and even yellow because it is thickening. The enamel on a person’s teeth is somewhat transparent and so this shows through.

Another side effect of aging is that the teeth can be become brittle. When the teeth are brittle, they are susceptible to cracks, fractures, and shearing. With time, the enamel on the teeth is subjected to wear due to chewing, grinding, and acidic foods.

The biggest cause of tooth loss in older adults has to do with the decline in the fiber content and blood vessels of the gum tissues. Gum disease is not a disease confined to old people but rather is a cumulative disease. So while the results of the disease are seen more frequently in older people, it is not a disease that is more common among the elderly. The cumulative effects of the disease just catch up with them at that point.

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