Aging can affect our body on many levels. We gradually slow down physically and mentally, and may experience other changes that are surprising. One way aging affects us all is in the condition of our teeth, our gums and our general oral health.
As time passes and our teeth and gums age, we may find our teeth:
o Changing color
o Changing shape
o Becoming thinner as tooth enamel loses luster
o Becoming loose due to bone loss
o Appearing more gray or yellowish
Anyone's teeth, despite a person's age, can become stained and discolored over time because of habits such as:
o Drinking coffee and tea
o Eating foods like berries that can stain teeth
o Drinking wine
o Taking certain medications
o Heredity
o Smoking or chewing tobacco
Additionally, our gums may develop periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, due to several different factors including aging. Gum disease causes a slight bleeding of the gums during tooth brushing which is nothing to be alarmed about, since your dentist has many options for treating early gum disease. Left untreated, however, gum disease may cause tooth decay, loosening individual teeth and bringing about other infections.
Age and Oral Health
Let's say that you could somehow manage to avoid substances that stain and decay the teeth. And let's say you practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly. What else could affect your teeth? The truth is, your teeth will age like the rest of your body, and so far, medical science has not found a way to stop that process. Your teeth are no different- in fact, teeth enamel thins with age, and this may cause a gray appearance and a less lustrous natural shine as well as greater risk of overall decay. These issues alone are good enough reasons to consult with your dentist to find a solution.
Fortunately, aging teeth do not have to lose their beauty. You're never too old to express your personality with a beautiful new smile. One solution that works wonders for many is porcelain veneers, wafer-thin, lustrous shells of porcelain affixed with dental adhesive to the front of your teeth to create a gorgeous set of pearly whites that are sure to make you look and feel younger, restore teeth function and prevent decay. Other solutions that can make a world of difference in your smile are dental bonding, tooth whitening, porcelain crowns, tooth-colored fillings and dental implants.
The cost of treatment and the possibility of pain are two main reasons many people avoid the dentist. If you have been procrastinating about getting the dental care you need, you will be happy to know that many different types of in-house and third party financing are available to help you fit extensive oral care into the family budget. And with today's modern sleep dentistry techniques, pain is a thing of the past.
Your family dentist is the best place to begin and, if further treatment is needed to restore your smile, he or she will likely refer you to a specialist to get the treatment you need. Most dentists offer a free consultation to help you make an informed decision.
