It’s a fact of life that as we age, our bodies will change. And that includes our teeth and mouths. “Teeth take quite a journey as time goes by,” says cosmetic dentist Dr. David Wagner, DDS. “As we age, our mouths go through some interesting shifts. Gums may start to pull back, making teeth appear longer and exposing their roots. Saliva production tends to slow down, which can lead to dryness and a higher chance of cavities.” Your medications may even affect your oral health.
These are the age-related oral changes you should be aware of when it comes to your smile, and what experts say you can do to prevent them.
Aging and oral health
Just like the rest of your body, your mouth changes as you age — even if you haven’t noticed. Your teeth may have shifted, your mouth might feel drier and things are just a bit different than they were 10 or 20 years ago.
“As we age, our mouth undergoes several changes,” says Dr. James Heaton, cosmetic dentist and owner of Smiles of Chandler. “The tissues in the mouth, including the gums and cheeks, can start to lose elasticity, leading to sagging or changes in the way teeth fit together. Saliva production may also decrease, which can contribute to dry mouth and affect overall oral health. Additionally, the jawbone can weaken over time, potentially leading to a change in bite and an increased risk of tooth loss.”
Your teeth also change as you age. The enamel starts to wear down, which can increase sensitivity and staining and make them much more fragile.
Cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael J. Wei, DDS, founder of Manhattan Cosmetic in New York City, says, “Aging can lead to tooth loss due to factors like gum disease, decay and poor oral hygiene habits over the years and teeth may shift or change shape over time, which can affect your bite and overall oral health.”
4 common age-related dental changes
As you get older, you’re prone to some oral health-related issues. The dental experts broke down a few of the most common ones that people experience so you can be aware of what to look out for — and what to talk to your dentist about.
Oral cancer
There is an increased risk of oral cancer as you age, which is why Dr. Wei highly recommends getting screened early and often.
“Another important factor to note is that the risk of oral cancer increases with age, so oral cancer screenings are very important,” he says. “Make sure you regularly visit your dentist so that any dental problems can be addressed in order to maintain optimal oral health.”
Studies show that the risk of oral cancer increases after age 40 and is significantly higher in men than in women. While the risk continues to rise with age across all races and genders, the highest concentration is found in non-Hispanic white males between the ages of 65 and 74.
Gum disease
Older adults are also more likely to experience gum disease. While gum disease can happen at any point in your life, this inflammation can creep up more prevalently later on and cause greater tooth problems.
“Gum disease can become more of a concern, potentially leading to tooth loss if not managed effectively,” Dr. Wagner says.
Dr. Wei adds that gum disease — which occurs when the gums become inflamed and, if left untreated, begin to recede and wear down — can lead to even more serious oral health issues. He echoes Dr. Wagner in warning that it can ultimately result in tooth loss.
Dry mouth
According to Dr. Wei, having a dry mouth becomes more of a problem as you get older. He notes that saliva production can decrease as you age, which means some people have more problems with having dry mouths, which leads to “oral health issues.”
Dr. Wagner adds that dry mouths in older people also means that their teeth decay faster. This is because saliva helps keep germs at bay in your mouth. When the saliva decreases, it’s harder to maintain oral health, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Plus, many medications contribute to dry mouth, which is also why it can be a common problem for older adults. Fortunately, dry mouth can be treated if you speak to your doctor about it. Drinking plenty of water also helps combat this issue.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay, or cavities, can happen to many older adults as the enamel starts to break down on teeth with age.
“Decay can become more common, especially around older fillings or on exposed roots, especially in the presence of a dryer mouth,” Dr. Wagner says, noting that this is when that dry mouth becomes a compound problem because it leads to so many issues.
According to Dr. Wei, certain medications can also contribute to tooth decay. That’s why it’s important to mention any prescriptions to both your doctor and dentist if your teeth start to show signs of trouble — a medication could be the underlying cause.
How to care for aging teeth and gums
Go to the dentist regularly
It goes without saying that regular dentist visits are a must. This is something you should be doing throughout your life, but it’s even more important as you get older because your teeth and mouth are more fragile. “It’s essential for older adults to step up their dental care routine. Regular dental visits are key to catching problems early,” Dr. Wagner says.
Maintain a proper diet
Sticking to a proper diet will not only keep your body healthy, but your teeth, too. Dr. Wei says, “Make sure to have a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and other essential nutrients for healthy teeth and gums.” Avoiding too much sugar is also a good idea, Dr. Wagner adds.
Take care of dentures
If you wear dentures, Dr. Heaton says it’s crucial to make sure they properly fit your mouth (no matter your age, but especially if you’re older, as your mouth and gums slightly change shape). Because these are sitting on your gums day in and day out, they need to fit well — so he recommends treating them with the utmost care.
Stay hydrated
Because older people are at higher risk for dry mouth, all three dental professionals recommend drinking plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. It’s not a bad idea to even use saliva replacements. “Staying hydrated is also essential to combat dry mouth, as a lack of saliva can increase the risk of tooth decay,” Dr. Heaton says.
Use fluoride
All three dentists sing the praises of fluoride to keep your teeth clean and strong. Dr. Wagner says, “Using remineralizing agents such as fluoride and hydroxyapatite products helps strengthen enamel and protect against decay.”
The bottom line
As we age, our mouths, along with the rest of our bodies, change. Keeping a close eye on your teeth can help you catch common issues like gum disease early, so you can address them before they worsen. Frequent visits to the dentist are important, as well as regular brushing and flossing and a proper diet rich in vitamins and minerals (and not too much sugar).
