Caring for ageing teeth

Teeth and gums can change over time, but losing teeth is not an inevitable part of getting older. Daily cleaning, fluoride, appropriate dental reviews and attention to problems such as dry mouth can help people keep their natural teeth for longer.

Changes that become more relevant with age can include tooth wear, gum recession, older fillings or crowns, sensitivity, reduced dexterity for cleaning, and dry mouth linked to medicines or health conditions. The right advice depends on the individual mouth rather than age alone.

Tooth wear and sensitivity

Tooth surfaces can wear over time for several reasons. Acidic foods and drinks, tooth grinding, brushing habits and normal function can all contribute. Existing restorations may also need monitoring as the teeth and bite change.

Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods can occur when dentine becomes exposed, but sensitivity can also be associated with decay, cracks, gum recession or other dental problems. Persistent, worsening or localised sensitivity should be assessed rather than assumed to be normal ageing.

Look after the gums as well as the teeth

Plaque around the gum line can lead to gingivitis and, in some people, periodontitis. Warning signs can include bleeding or swollen gums, gum recession, persistent bad breath or teeth becoming loose. Early assessment is useful because advanced gum disease can damage the tissues and bone that support teeth.

For most adults, a practical foundation is brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth each day with floss or interdental brushes. How often you need a professional dental review should be based on your individual oral-health risks rather than a fixed timetable for everyone.

Dry mouth deserves attention

Dry mouth is common in older adults, but it is not simply something that everyone develops because of age. Medicines, medical treatments and health conditions can reduce saliva flow. Saliva helps protect teeth, so persistent dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay and make eating, speaking or wearing dentures less comfortable.

Simple measures such as drinking water and, when appropriate, chewing sugar-free gum may help some people. If a medicine may be contributing, do not stop or change it yourself—raise the problem with your doctor, pharmacist or dentist so the cause and options can be reviewed safely.

Keep an eye on existing dental work

Fillings, crowns, bridges and implant restorations still need ongoing cleaning and review. A restoration can continue to function well for many years, but the surrounding tooth or gum can still develop disease. Changes in the bite, cracks, recurrent decay or wear may alter what maintenance is appropriate.

When should you arrange a dental review?

Arrange a dental assessment if you develop ongoing tooth or mouth pain, bleeding or swollen gums, a loose tooth, a broken restoration, persistent dry mouth, or a sore that does not heal. Having no pain does not always mean that the teeth and gums are free of disease.

Current Australian patient information: Healthdirect — dental care and teeth cleaning and Better Health Channel — dry mouth.

If you would like advice about changes in your teeth, gums, restorations or dry mouth, Dr Gautam Herle can assess your oral health at Myers Street Dental in Geelong and discuss the options that are appropriate for your situation. Book Dr Gautam Herle.

This article provides general oral-health information and is not a substitute for an individual dental or medical assessment.