Five Ways Your Smile Changes As You Age

We all anticipate changes in our body as we age. But have you anticipated the ways in which the years will transform your smile? In today’s post, we’re covering five ways your smile changes as you age.

1. Wear & Tear

Teeth are remarkable. They are strong enough to be in use throughout the day, every single day of your life. However, time will take its toll. Most of us see wear and tear gradually, and especially as we get into our 50s and 60s. Eventually, enamel weakens, leaving the teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity and breakage.

2. Shifting Smile

Over time, your smile will naturally shift, no matter how much orthodontic work you had done when you were young! This is because the bones holding the teeth in place will become weaker over time, leading to changes in the shape of the smile. It can also come as a result of things like decay, tooth loss, and gum disease.

3. Dry Mouth

Many older adults end up developing dry mouth, meaning their glands just don’t produce as much saliva as they once did. Dry mouth comes with a variety of unwanted effects, including bad breath, difficulty chewing and swallowing, tooth decay, and more.

4. Discoloration

It’s only natural that over time our teeth will become more and more discolored. It happens as a result of both the thinning of the enamel and the gradual build up of stains. The risk goes up if you’re indulging in things like coffee, red wine, and other acidic or deeply pigmented foods and beverages on a regular basis.

5. Oral Cancer

Finally, the older we get, the more we’re at risk for various cancers, including oral cancer. It can occur just about anywhere in the mouth, including the jaw, tongue, and throat cancers. The best way to stay on top of your oral cancer risk is by keeping up with your six month visits to our office.

Age Gracefully with Help From Chandler Dental Center

We’re here to help you minimize the effects of aging on your smile with comprehensive dental care in San Antonio, Texas. Call us or head to our website to schedule your next visit.

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Categorised in: Family Dental Care, Oral Cancer Screenings, Oral Health

This post was written by Chandler Dental Center