The aging process impacts every part of our bodies, including our teeth.

It’s very important to establish a consistent oral hygiene routine at a young age and maintain it throughout our lifetimes, right into our senior years.

While brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and making sure to visit your dentist in Caledon regularly, there are specific areas of dental care for seniors that are important to be aware of and watch out for.

These include:

Tooth discolouration

You’ve likely heard about how drinks like red wine and coffee can discolour your teeth, and it makes sense that the longer you consume these beverages, the more discolouration you will experience. However, even without heavy consumption of wine and coffee, you will likely experience tooth discolouration caused by the aging process alone. As we age, our tooth enamel thins, bringing the dentin (the soft tissue inside the tooth) closer to the surface, making the teeth appear darker in colour.

Gum disease

Gum disease starts out as gingivitis which can turn into periodontitis if not caught early. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. If you are experiencing puffy, bleeding gums, it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist in Caledon right away, so the problem can be identified and treated before it progresses.

Tooth decay

As we age, our gums begin to recede which can leave the roots of the tooth exposed to the elements, which can result in sensitivity to extreme temperatures, infections, and tooth decay. If the decay progresses too severely you could need a tooth extraction, so be sure to reach out to your dentist immediately if you are experiencing any increased sensitivity or discomfort. Your Caledon dentist is specially trained to recognize the early signs of tooth decay, so it’s important to visit them regularly and give them a chance to catch a small problem that is easily treated before it develops into a major problem requiring invasive, expensive treatment.

Mouth dryness

As we age, we tend to take more medications, and some of the side effects of these medications lead to dryness of the mouth. Saliva plays an important role in rinsing the food debris, sugar and bacteria left on your teeth after eating and drinking, and a lack of saliva can lead to increased decay and cavities, so if you’re experiencing dry mouth, it’s even more important than normal to drink a lot of water and stay on top of your brushing and flossing routine.

If you’re a senior and it’s been a while since you visited your family dentist, call Caledon Dental Centre to schedule an appointment today. Our team of professionals will assess your current condition and work with you to keep your smile bright and healthy for years to come.