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Gray between front teeth calculus11/28/2023 While sturdy teeth are the stars of a healthy mouth, they can't perform without a strong supporting cast - the gums and soft, wet tissue that line the oral cavity. Stains caused by exposure to the antibiotic tetracycline in childhood are particularly stubborn and may require several rounds of bleaching to remove. And the effectiveness of different bleaching techniques can vary with the type of discoloration. Some whitening ingredients, such as carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, can make teeth sensitive. Whitening toothpastes and rinses can temporarily lift superficial stains, but don't expect the effect to last.īefore deciding on a bleaching method, it's a good idea to talk to a dentist. Dental bleaches containing peroxide (available over the counter or through your dentist) will lighten your teeth a few shades, although the results are less dramatic in older teeth. There's no shortage of whitening products these days. The enamel itself gets stained by coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. This change is due in part to the yellowing of the dentin inside the tooth that can show through the enamel, especially as it thins and cracks with age. You may have also noticed that your once-sparkling smile has dimmed over the years. Fluoride rinses and gels, and varnishes applied by a dentist, may be able to halt the progression of root decay and in some cases reverse the damage. Fluoride, found in toothpaste, mouth rinses, and tap water in some communities, helps the body rebuild the mineral crystals that make up the tooth enamel and may also inhibit bacteria-laden plaque from adhering to the teeth. People who have trouble brushing and flossing by hand because of arthritis or other disabilities should probably switch to an electric toothbrush. While there's not much you can do to stem the natural attrition of the tooth surface, the pillars of cavity prevention - brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings at the dentist's office - remain the same at any age. Decay around the edges of those fillings is also a problem. In addition, adults who grew up before the advent of fluoride products and dental sealants often have fillings from childhood and adolescence that eventually break down. Gum tissue naturally recedes with age, so the soft root tissue becomes exposed. A prime target of dental caries in older adults is around the neck of the tooth, adjacent to the gum line. The rate of tooth decay in people over 65 now outpaces that of schoolchildren. Just because you've got a few gray hairs doesn't mean you're out of the woods when it comes to cavities, either. The consolation prize: reduced nerve sensitivity means that procedures that may have been uncomfortable for younger people could hurt less if you are older. The chance of having tooth damage severe enough to require a root canal or similarly invasive procedure triples once you're over age 65. If an infection develops, you could need a root canal procedure or even lose the tooth entirely. And, since the nerves at the tooth's core lose sensitivity with age, the problem may be well advanced before you notice any pain. A crack or break in the tooth's outer surface leaves the delicate pulp tissue vulnerable to irritation and inflammation. Weakened enamel can set the stage for more serious dental problems. Tooth surfaces are also affected by exposure to acidic foods such as citrus fruits and carbonated beverages, which dissolve the protective enamel. A lifetime of crunching, gnawing, and grinding wears away the outer layer of enamel and flattens the biting edges. Your molars can bear down with over 200 pounds of pressure. While these problems are nothing to smile about, you can still do a lot to keep your mouth looking and feeling younger than its years. 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. (Ever consider why you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth?) A century ago the need for dentures in later life was almost a foregone conclusion. Teeth, gums, and the rest of the oral cavity need extra care and attention if you want them to stay healthy in your later years.Īging isn't always pretty, and your mouth is no exception.
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