Age-Related Dental Changes - What to Expect

Common Dental Changes Over Time and How to Manage Them

While every patient is unique, there are several common dental changes that can occur with age. Being aware of these allows you to spot them early and seek the right care.

1. Darker or More Yellow Teeth

• What happens: Over decades of use, the hard, white outer layer of your teeth (enamel) naturally thins from wear. This allows the yellowish layer beneath it (dentin) to show through more clearly. At the same time, teeth accumulate stains from foods, drinks, and tobacco over a lifetime.

  
  

• How We Help: For surface stains, professional cleanings, and teeth whitening can dramatically brighten your smile. For deeper discoloration or to change the shape of worn teeth, cosmetic solutions like dental bonding or porcelain veneers can create a brilliantly youthful appearance.

2. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

• What Happens: This is one of the most common oral health issues in older adults, often as a side effect of necessary medications for conditions like high blood pressure, depression, or allergies. Saliva is your mouth's natural defense; it neutralizes acids and washes away food debris. Without enough of it, your risk for cavities skyrockets.

  
  

• How We Help: We recommend staying well-hydrated and can suggest special rinses or sprays to alleviate discomfort. More frequent dental cleanings and fluoride treatments are crucial to protect your teeth from decay if you experience dry mouth.

  
  

  
  

3. Gum Recession and Increased Risk of Root Decay

• What happens: Gums can naturally recede over time due to past gum disease, genetics, or years of aggressive brushing. This exposes the root surfaces of your teeth, which are not covered by protective enamel. These softer root surfaces are much more vulnerable to cavities.

  
  

• How We Help: We can apply fluoride varnish to help strengthen exposed roots. For more severe cases, a gum grafting procedure can be performed to cover the roots, protecting them from decay and reducing sensitivity.

  
  

4. Wear and Tear on Existing Dental Work

• What happens: Dental restorations are not meant to last forever. After many years of service, fillings can crack or leak, and the seals on crowns and bridges can break down, allowing decay to form underneath.

  
  

• How We Help: Regular dental exams are essential for monitoring your existing restorations. By using digital X-rays and a thorough visual inspection, we can identify failing dental work and replace it before it leads to a more serious problem.

  
  

5. Physical Challenges to Oral Hygiene

• What Happens: Conditions like arthritis or a loss of manual dexterity can make holding a toothbrush and manipulating floss difficult, which can lead to a decline in oral health.

  
  

• How We Help: We can recommend adaptive tools that make daily care easier. An electric toothbrush with a larger handle can be much easier to manage, and water flossers (like a Waterpik®) are an excellent and effective alternative to traditional string floss for cleaning between teeth.