As you age, everything gets affected. That means your teeth too! If you have any concerns, bring them up to your dentist in Tampa. They can help you understand all your dental needs. Even if your dentist in Tampa commends your great oral hygiene, age can still take its toll. But let’s quickly go over some things that can happen to your teeth and gums as you age. However, don’t forget to keep up those dental visits with your dentist in Tampa.

Your Teeth

Natural wear and tear will take its toll on your teeth. Over time, you’ll notice some changes. This is especially true if you grind or clench your teeth. In these cases, the wear and tear will be more prominent.

Another thing you’ll start to notice is that your teeth will look darker. This is due to dentin getting darker over time. While that is happening, your enamel is also getting thinner, which will show your dentin. Teeth whitening procedures can help make a big difference if you wish to improve your teeth’s coloring.

Old age can also affect your oral hygiene. If you have difficulty using your hands or fingers due to your age, it can affect how thoroughly you brush. This can lead to more plaque building up and a negative impact on your teeth’s health.

Your Gums

Your teeth aren’t the only things affected by old age. As you age, you might start to see your gums recede. One of the perpetrators of this is jawbone shrinkage. However, these usually aren’t major problems as bone structure is still retained. But, if your teeth’s roots are exposed, then you can experience pain and have some issues like decay or sensitivity.

There are also other changes that can occur in your mouth. Older adults tend to take a lot of medications, which can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can become a problem since it decreases saliva production and won’t remove food debris or bacteria as effectively. This can cause tooth decay! So, be extra cautious and make sure to use a fluoride mouthwash. Additionally, increase your water intake to help keep your mouth moist.

Check out more of our helpful blogs here! Also feel free to contact us for an appointment at (813) 961-1727.