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Cavemen ate a diet heavy in protein, raw vegetables, fruits, nuts and berries; all excellent for maintaining good dental health.
Our modern diet, however, is heavy in processed dairy, fatty foods, carbohydrates and sugars. These foods promote oral problems in teeth designed to last for the brief lifespan of early man.
Thanks to modern dental care, we now have preventative and therapeutic options to increase our teeth’s longevity. Still, even if you practice good dental hygiene, 80-plus years of use will take its toll.
The following are challenges you’ll meet with the onset of your golden years.
ORAL HYGIENE PROBLEMS
Arthritis is the most common malady related to aging. The pain of raising the arms makes meticulous brushing and flossing more and more difficult. With time, plaque and tartar accumulate, leading to decay and periodontal diseases.
A good mechanical toothbrush can greatly facilitate brushing. You also should step up routine visits to the dentist from twice a year to every three months.
DIET
We tend to eat softer foods as we lose teeth and the aging process makes our teeth and gums more sensitive. Soft foods usually are sticky, high-sugar snack foods. The result is a significant increase in tooth decay.
It’s important to eat these with meals and brush immediately afterwards. Because this problem is more prevalent in nursing homes, the staff should receive instruction from the resident’s dentist on their special oral-hygiene needs.
GUM RECESSION
Shrinkage of gum tissue is unavoidable. As our gums recede with age, the darker roots of the teeth are exposed. Because roots are darker than the enamel, the result is an unsightly discoloration of the teeth. This problem also can lead to tooth decay, one of the most serious oral challenges we face with aging.
ENDODONTIC THERAPY
Our root surfaces are closer to the dental nerve than the top surfaces of the teeth. If the decay destroys the root surfaces of our teeth, a root canal will be needed within a few months. This therapy is expensive and destructive of the dental structure. Adequate oral hygiene and routing care can help you avoid a root canal procedure.
SURFACE WEAR
One-third of the population grinds or clenches their teeth, particularly at night. This destructive habit, known as bruxism or clenching, can cause up to 100 days of wear within a single night. Bruxism wasn’t a problem when the human lifespan was between 45 and 50, but we’re now living much longer and bruxism is taking a serious toll.
If you have bruxism, it’s imperative you visit your dentist as early as possible. A dentist can fit you with an occlusal bite guard that will guard your teeth.
OLD TOOTH RESTORATION
Fillings, crowns and partial dentures wear out with years of use. The resulting gaps between the remaining teeth and the restorations allow for tooth decay. The more decay, the more the bite-relationship collapses and many problems can ensue.
Regular visits to your dentist become even more imperative to counteract this problem. Many new restorative materials now contain decay-preventative chemicals recommended for mature people.
PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Most of us rarely experience gum and bone disease in our youth but, as we age, we become more susceptible to periodontal disease. Teeth that move and bad breath often indicate the presence of disease. Most of us will have some form of periodontal disease with age.
Professional scaling, rinses, antibiotics and surgery will stave off the potential for gum and bone disease. More frequent visits to your dentist also are recommended.
BONE SHRINKAGE
Nearly 40 million Americans have dentures. With every passing year, the bone and gums supporting the dentures shrink. As we age, the bone can shrink by as much as half an inch, leading to loose dentures and difficulty chewing, which greatly limits our diet.
The average denture lasts about 10 years, if the recommended relines have been performed every few years. Artificial full dentures require yearly examination by your dentist for relining or remaking.
DISCOLORED TEETH
Our teeth naturally become discolored with age. Coffee, tea, cola drinks, colored food and smoking are the leading reasons for this discoloration. Discoloration usually is solely a cosmetic problem and frequently can be solved with polishing or teeth whitening procedures.
If you would like to learn more about caring for aging teeth, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with cosmetic dentist Dr. Mobasser , please call: (310) 550-0383; or visit his web site: www.celebritydentist.com.
About Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Anthony Mobasser
Dr. Mobasser offers state-of-the-art cosmetic treatment to his patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and around the world. He is one of the pioneers of modern cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry and is one of the most experienced and qualified dentists in the world. Dr. Mobasser offers full-mouth reconstruction, cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry, porcelain crowns and bridges, implants, TMJ treatment, smile makeover, and more. To complement his dental training, he also holds degrees in mathematics and engineering. Please visit his website at www.celebritydentist.com.
