How to look after your teeth after you turn 40

Turning 40 is a milestone that many people consider to be the start of middle-age. As well as being a time for transition and reflection, it’s also time to think about your dental health. That’s because if you’d like to reach old age with all your teeth still intact, then it pays dividends to start thinking about your teeth now. So, in this post, we’ll get you off to a good start by going over the main oral health problems suffered by people over the age of 40.

Gum disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can occur at any age, but it’s more likely to occur as you get older. In fact, after you turn 35, you’re more likely to lose a tooth to gum disease than to tooth decay.

The good news is that gum disease is preventable. The main thing you can do to prevent it is to brush your teeth and gums for two minutes, twice a day. Make sure to pay special attention to your gums, brushing them thoroughly. Flossing once a day can also help prevent gum disease.

Note that if have bright red gums or if your gums bleed regularly, then you may already have gum disease. Make sure to see a dental if this is the case.

Oral cancer

Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the mouth, tongue and throat, is more frequent in people over the age of 40.

Oral cancer is usually first spotted by a dentist at a routine dental check-up, so make sure you keep going to the dentist regularly. Also, do watch your alcohol and tobacco use, as they both increase your risk of getting oral cancer.

Breakdown of dental fillings

Did you know that fillings don’t last forever? It’s true: over time, they break down and no longer work as well as they should. In fact, fillings are only expected to last around 10 years, although some can last longer. Your dentist will look up for worn out filings during your regular check-ups.

Menopause

Changes in female hormone levels during menopause can lead to several unwanted oral symptoms, including gum inflammation, mouth pain, dry mouth and increased susceptibility to plaque. That’s why brushing and flossing are more important than ever during menopause to prevent tooth decay and fight gum disease.

Dry mouth

As we get older, our mouths produce less saliva. This is bad for our teeth because it increases our risk of dental decay. If you suffer from dry mouth, then one solution is to keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Seeing a doctor can also help to rule out underlying causes.

Sensitive teeth

Aging means that our tooth enamel gradually wears away. One sign that your enamel is wearing away is tooth sensitivity. Your teeth might feel more painful when you brush them for example, or when you eat hot and cold foods. Sensitive teeth aren’t only a sign of aging, however. It can happen for several reasons, such as tooth decay, worn out fillings, and gum disease. Tell your dentist if you’re suffering from sensitive teeth because you will want to rule out the possible causes.