Common dental problems in later life

How can ageing affect my dental health?

As you get older, there are lots of things that can affect the health of your teeth and gums, such as the following.

• Natural changes. Over time, your bones and tissues naturally become thinner and less elastic. This doesn’t just affect your body, but your teeth and the tissues that hold them in place too. These changes can make teeth problems more likely.
• Health conditions. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes or cancer, there’s a higher chance you could develop dental issues too. It can also be harder to clean your teeth if you have a condition that affects your hands, or eyesight. This includes conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or dementia.
• Medication. Sometimes, medications for common health conditions can cause dry mouth. This reduces saliva and makes it easier for bacteria to grow.
• Taste changes. Your sense of taste can also change with age or as a side-effect of medication. If food tastes blander, you might be tempted to add more salt or sugar, but this can affect your physical and oral health.

There’s also growing evidence that your oral health is closely linked to your overall health. If your gums are inflamed or infected, bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream or lungs, which may increase your risk of other health issues.

What dental problems are more common as I get older?

As you age, certain changes to your teeth and gums can lead to common dental issues later in life.

Receding gums

It’s common for your gums to start to recede later in life. This means that your gums begin to shrink away from your teeth. As they do, more of your tooth’s dentine and root are exposed. Dentine is the softer layer underneath your enamel, which is more prone to decay.

If you have receding gums , food and bacteria can also build up in the gaps between your teeth and gums and cause holes (cavities) to form. Over time, your teeth may start to shift and could eventually fall out.

Receding gums can happen as a result of gum disease, or if you brush your teeth too harshly.

Gum disease

Gum disease develops when plaque builds up along your gumline and causes your gums to become infected and inflamed. It’s often diagnosed when you’re older because you might not know you have it until it’s advanced.

In the early stages, gum disease can be stopped or even reversed with good dental hygiene. But if it gets worse, it can damage the supporting structures that hold your teeth in place. Eventually, your teeth could start to wobble and may fall out.

You’re more likely to develop gum disease if you don’t brush your teeth properly, smoke, or have diabetes.

Dry mouth (xerostomia)

Dry mouth occurs when you don’t produce enough spit (saliva) to keep your mouth moist. It’s a common side-effect of many medications, like those used to treat high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy. It helps to wash away bacteria. So without it, you’re more likely to develop tooth decay and bad breath.

You’re more likely to develop dry mouth when you’re older if you have certain health conditions or you’re taking medication.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay happens when the bacteria that live in your mouth feed off sugar and starch in food and make acids. Eventually, these acids can wear away the hard outer layer of your tooth (enamel) and cause a hole (cavity) to form.

You’re more likely to develop tooth decay as you get older if you have receding gums that have exposed the soft dentine and root inside your tooth. It can also develop if you have dry mouth, which reduces the flow of saliva and allows bacteria to grow.

Sensitive teeth

Your teeth naturally experience lots of wear and tear over the years. Chewing, grinding, and acidic foods or drinks can wear down the hard outer layer of your teeth (enamel) and expose the sensitive layer underneath (dentine).

Tooth erosion, receding gums and gum disease can all make your teeth more sensitive. You might find it painful to eat hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.

Oral cancer

There’s a small chance you could develop cancer in your mouth, lips, tongue or throat as you get older. You’re more likely to develop it if you’re over 50, male, smoke or drink alcohol.

How can I treat dental problems in later life?

Your dentist can give you personalised advice on how to take care of your teeth and gums. Here are some ways you can manage dental problems.

• Dry mouth: Ask your doctor about changing medications or trying artificial saliva products. You can also sip water regularly, chew sugar-free gum, or suck on sugar-free sweets.
• Sensitive teeth: Use a toothpaste that’s specially designed for sensitive teeth.
• Arthritis or limited mobility: Try using an electric toothbrush with a large handle to make brushing easier.
• Missing teeth: Speak to your dentist about tooth replacement options such as dentures, crowns, bridges or implants.

How can I prevent dental problems in later life?

No matter how old you are, taking good care of your teeth can help to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other dental issues. To keep your mouth healthy:

• visit your dentist and dental hygienist regularly
• brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
• clean between your teeth daily with floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser
• quit smoking if you need to
• limit sugary foods and drinks