As you get older, it’s only natural for your teeth and gums to become weaker due to wear and tear. This is why dental care at any age is a priority to maintain optimal oral health, which will maintain general health.

5 Ways Age Affects Your Teeth & Gums

1. Wear & Tear

Over time, with all the chewing, grinding, and biting, the enamel erodes, which can cause sensitivity and make your teeth vulnerable. Therefore, you should visit a good dentist in Lee’s Summit, MO, to ensure your teeth are safe. You could also take certain measures to ensure your tooth enamel is safe. A few are as follows:

Avoid sugary, acidic foods and drinks.
Maintain a healthy diet by including plenty of fruits, veggies, and dairy products.
Avoid over-brushing.
Visit your dentist regularly.
Don’t chew on hard objects.
If you suffer from bruxism, you should get treatment immediately to avoid chips, cracks, and other major issues.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease can be caused due to plaque and tartar build-up, consumption of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges, and dentures, poor diet, or due to anemia, cancer, diabetes, etc. If left untreated, it can cause soreness, swelling, bleeding, or tenderness in your gums. You might also suffer from tooth loss or face difficulties while chewing along with other health issues.

Most people don’t get treatment for their gum disease as the symptoms aren’t noticeable till the disease advances. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage to your gums.

A few signs of gum disease include:

Bleeding gums
Receding gums
Loose teeth
Bad breath
Red, swollen or tender gums
Toothache
Tooth loss

The best way to keep your gums in good shape and make them last for long is by brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist for dental cleaning and check-ups every six months.

3. Dry Mouth

The saliva in your mouth plays an important role in maintaining optimal oral health. When saliva flow is reduced, it can create dental problems such as tooth decay and oral infections. As you get older, your mouth gets drier, and you are at a greater risk for tooth decay. It may also be due to certain medications. However, to prevent this, you need to drink lots of water and hold it in your mouth for a few seconds before you swallow.

4. Stained Or Discolored Teeth

Over time based on your diet or constant consumption of foods and drinks that stain, your teeth can get dull or yellow. This is caused due to the thinning of the outer enamel layer, which shows the yellow dentin. If you have a darkened tooth or teeth, it may be a sign of a much deeper problem, and you need to visit your dentist immediately.

5. Oral Cancer

With age, you are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. The best way to prevent oral cancer is by stopping the consumption of cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or chewing tobacco. You need to maintain moderation when it comes to consuming alcohol.

The best way to find out if you have oral cancer is by visiting the dentist in Lee’s Summit regularly. This will help to detect issues beforehand, and you can get treated on time. A few warning signs include

Sores on your lips or mouth that don’t heal.
White or reddish patch inside your mouth.
Loose teeth
A lump or growth in your mouth
Ear pain.
Difficulty or pain while swallowing.

The Best Dentist In Lee’s Summit, MO

If you want your teeth & gums to be healthy and last for long, visit our dental office today! At Hurd Family Dental, we offer a wide range of services, such as general, cosmetic, pediatric, restorative & preventive dentistry. Our dental team will provide you with the best care and smile for you and your family. Contact us today to get strong and healthy teeth & gums for years to come.