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Oral Health Issues That May Occur As You Age

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Although you would probably like to avoid all dental issues throughout your lifetime, you will likely develop a few problems with your teeth and gums as you age. Here are a few oral health issues that may arise as you grow older.

Decay

The demineralization of the tooth enamel is known as tooth decay and may occur at any time. However, as your teeth are repeatedly exposed to bacterial acids, dental decay becomes more likely.

Many older people lose some of their dexterity due to age-related conditions, such as arthritis or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, some people may suffer from mental conditions, such as dementia. These illnesses may make it difficult to physically clean the teeth, or they may cause memory issues that result in poor dental hygiene. 

The concentration of bacterial acids increases in the mouth as the number of microbes grows. However, with hygienic efforts, such as regular brushing and flossing, bacterial numbers can be controlled. 

Still, once tooth decay begins, a restorative treatment should be performed to prevent the damage from progressing. A common treatment for a cavity that develops from decay is the dental filling. Once the dentist removes the decayed portion of tooth material, they fill the hole with a suitable filling material. The filling may be made of silver amalgam, resin, gold, or porcelain. The application protects the tooth from further damage and restores its functionality. Additionally, if the filling is tooth-colored, it restores the tooth's appearance.

Tooth Loss

Older people are also more susceptible to gum disease, which may cause tooth loss. Like decay, gum disease is often caused by the mouth's exposure to bacterial acids. 

The gingival tissues become increasingly inflamed, leading to the development of gingivitis and in some cases, periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that results in the formation of pockets between the gums and the teeth. These pockets, or spaces, may become filled with bacteria, causing a gum infection.

The bacteria from the infection can spread to the jawbone. As the connection between the jawbone and the teeth weakens from the infection, the teeth loosen in their sockets. They may become so loose that they fall out, requiring the use of dentures or dental implants to restore the functionality of the mouth.

Discoloration

The teeth may also become discolored as the enamel wears away over time. The yellowing occurs because the dentin, which lies beneath the enamel, is increasingly exposed. Dental whitening can help remove food-based stains. However, veneers or crowns may be needed fo cover enamel wear.

If you have age-related concerns about your teeth, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area. To learn more, reach out to dentists like Kyle J Frisinger DMD.


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