In the past, no one over 30 or 40 had teeth at all. George Washington lost all of his teeth before he turned 40. We no longer expect people to lose all of their teeth, but we also expect there are going to be changes in the mouths of older people. Did you know that if you maintain your level of good oral health, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy? What can you expect from your gums as you age? We have some answers.
What to Expect from Your Gums As You Grow Older
There are two things you need to watch out for as you age in your mouth. First, you need to be careful of receding gums. As you age, your gums tend to recede. While a little receding is normal, a lot of receding is not. Many people have receding gumlines due to the effects of gum disease. Receding gums can lead eventually to exposed nerves and tooth loss. The best way to protect your gums is by practicing good oral hygiene. If you brush and floss your teeth daily, you are helping to prevent receding gums.
In addition to receding gums, seniors need to pay attention to their medication and the effect it may be having on their mouths. There are many different types of medications that can cause your mouth to become dry. Dry mouth may not seem like a big deal, but it can have a big impact on your teeth and gums. Dry mouth allows the bacteria within your mouth to multiply, which means that it is more difficult to protect your teeth and gums from tooth decay and gum disease. If you have dry mouth, you may need to have a conversation with your doctor about changing medications. You can also keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of fluids or using products designed for dry mouth.
If you have questions about your aging teeth and gums, and how to keep them healthy, contact us today at (469) 649-0699.