Getting old is unavoidable. It is isn't always pretty and comes with its fair share of problems. Your mouth and oral health will be no exception.
Over time, daily mouth activities such as chewing and cleaning cause your teeth to wear down. Years of accumulated stains from food, drinks, and oral products start affecting your teeth. They may start to look darker. But how does old age affect the enamel?
Effects of Old Age On The Enamel
As you grow older, the enamel of your teeth will get thinner while the dentin gets thicker and darker. Because of the thinning of the enamel, the dentin will start showing more and more. While teeth are amazingly strong, they are not indestructible and years of exposure to acids from the foods you consume eventually erode the enamel.
Old people are also prone to arthritis. If you have arthritis in the hands and fingers, it may become difficult to properly observe dental hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing. Stroke and dementia will also affect your ability to carry out these activities in a proper manner. This will lead to the buildup of plaque in your mouth and in the long run, harm your teeth.
Thirdly, as you grow older, you may notice that your taste sensation diminishes. Certain medications such as those used to treat high blood pressure may also affect your taste sensation. Food will always taste bland. To make the taste better, people tend to add more spices, sugar, and salt. Some people also prefer their food very hot. All these can be damaging to the enamel.
You could also experience reduced saliva production as you grow older. Dry mouth exposes you to cavities and other oral infections. As you grow older, it is important to schedule regular checkups with our clinic so that you can protect your oral health. Any problems will be detected early and treated in time. We can also recommend products that will help with your dental care routine. Get in touch with us today.
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