Dentistry Once You Hit 60

Provided you have looked after your dental health your teeth should remain in great shape as you age. However, some dental conditions are more likely to occur with age, and which include the following:

Discoloured Teeth

Teeth naturally darken as you age, often because tooth enamel begins to thin, exposing more of the dentine underneath and which is naturally a darker colour. The process may be accelerated if you eat lots of highly acidic or sugary foods which can cause acid erosion.

Tooth Decay

Acid erosion and diet can also increase your risk of tooth decay, and as you get older, gum recession is more likely. Any exposed tooth roots are more prone to decay than your teeth because they lack a protective covering of enamel.

Gum Disease

Gum disease can occur at any age but is more prevalent as we get older. It can be caused or worsened by diseases including anaemia and diabetes, or by tobacco use.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, a condition called xerostomia can reduce saliva which has a protective effect on your dental health. It’s a frequent side-effect of medical treatments including chemotherapy or can be caused by medications.

Even if you do develop dental problems as you age, there are still plenty of things we can do to minimise the effects. Fluoride treatments and more frequent cleanings can help, or you might need to modify your lifestyle habits, for example quitting smoking or adjusting your diet.