Getting Older and How It Affects Your Dental Health – The Life of Your Smile

As you get older, the effects of ageing gradually become more obvious, and this includes changes to your dental health. A lifetime of bad oral habits can take its toll, but while some pessimistic people might say tooth loss is inevitable, it needn’t be.

Common Dental Problems in Later Life

Natural wear and tear caused by biting and chewing, and exposure to acids in the mouth and foods can thin tooth enamel. This can increase tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, and your teeth may look darker because the thinner tooth enamel exposes the natural colour in the dentin underneath. Your risk of tooth decay and gum disease may increase, as dry mouth is a common side-effect of many prescription medications, reducing the protective effect of saliva. Also, some people lose dexterity as they age, making it harder to hold a toothbrush and to use dental floss.

How We Can Help You

There is plenty you can do to look after your teeth and hopefully keep them for life, and we can help you, providing a custom preventative dental care plan for optimal oral health. We can advise you on the best way to care for your teeth, and how to reduce the effects of ageing on your smile.