Today, three-quarters of people over 65 retain at least some of their natural teeth, but older people still suffer higher rates of gum disease, dental decay, oral cancer, mouth infections, and tooth loss.
Once you get to 64, you are pretty average if you have around 22 (22.30) teeth still in your mouth. Between the ages of 50 to 64, you have about a 10% chance of having no teeth remaining at all, and this number jumps up to 13% when you get to age 74.
So while permanent tooth loss can occur at any age as an adult, significant averages in partial and total tooth loss tend to occur in people aged 50 years old and above.
According to the American Dental Association, there are approximately 57% of people ages 65 to 74 wearing some form of denture.
Dentistry for seniors suggests tooth whitening can be done at any age of adulthood. Tooth whitening products remove built-up stains and brighten the enamel. They are affordable and easy-to-use solutions to the problem of aging yellow teeth.
Although losing baby teeth is completely normal, losing adult teeth is not. Tooth loss is far from inevitable. While time and age can cause a decline in oral health, it is not age itself that causes tooth loss and other problems.
Phosphorus plays a critical role in dental health because it can naturally help protect and help rebuild tooth enamel. The best sources of phosphorus can be found in protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Injuries and oral-dental trauma may also cause tooth loss. Risk factors for tooth loss include poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, dry mouth, gum disease (gingivitis) and some prescription medications.
Use Fluoride
The American Dental Association (ADA) calls fluoride "nature's cavity fighter" because it strengthens your enamel and helps repair the early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride also makes your teeth more resistant to acids that come from foods and from bacteria in your mouth.
Dental implants often change older people's lives for the better, giving them improved physical health and more confidence. No age is too old for dental implants.
In California, the Medi-Cal Dental Program provides free or low-cost services for qualifying seniors. Learn more by visiting Smile, California. There are also dental clinics located in Monterey County that offer services on a sliding scale. 2-1-1 Monterey County has more information.
Some of the best toothpastes for older adults include the Sensodyne Pronamel Daily Protection Enamel Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth and Sensodyne Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste. Other products worth mentioning are 3M Oral Care Clinpro Tooth Crème Anti Cavity Toothpaste and Colgate Sensitive Toothpaste.
As you begin to age, your tooth enamel will start to wear away, revealing the dentin within the tooth. This dentin has a yellowish colour. Your teeth will also begin to create more dentin as you age, which also causes teeth to have a darker appearance.
Consuming Certain Foods and Drinks
Other teeth-staining foods include coffee, citrus fruits and juices, soft drinks, teas, berries, tomato-based sauces, curry, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce. Ingredients in these foods can seep into your enamel (the outermost covering of your teeth) and cause discoloration.
Sugary items promote the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, worsening gum recession or causing decay. Avoid donuts, candy, energy drinks, cake, and chocolate. Since gum recession exposes the tooth's roots and nerves, extreme temperatures from ice cubes or popsicles can cause your gums to be more sensitive.
Surgery - If your gums already have pockets that are too deep or you've experienced too much bone loss, a deep cleaning won't be enough to treat the gum recession. In these instances, surgery may be necessary. Bone regeneration and tissue or gum grafts are two procedures frequently recommended to address receding gums.
Our dentists may recommend dental implants, overdentures, or dental bridges as denture alternatives. They'll help you explore your tooth replacement options based on your oral health, jawbone density, and a number of missing teeth. That way, you'll be able to make the best decision for your smile.
One of the most famous people in Hollywood, Tom Cruise didn't always have his perfect smile. As he was proverbially “cutting his teeth” in Hollywood, his denture specialist was doing it literally. Tom had uneven sized teeth during his beginning years but you would never know by looking at his smile now.
Seniors 65 years and older have an average of 20.7 remaining teeth. Older seniors, Black and Hispanic seniors, current smokers, and those with lower incomes and less education have fewer remaining teeth.
Gum disease—Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is the No. 1 cause of tooth loss in adults. It is a serious infection that affects the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Without treatment, gum disease can destroy the supporting bone and cause tooth loss.