You Can’t Outgrow Tooth Decay

Louisville, KY

Dental health matters at every age, but frequently when we think about cavities, our minds turn to children. While it’s true that children are more susceptible to cavities because of sugar exposure — and because sometimes they forget to brush their teeth or don’t brush them thoroughly enough — tooth decay, unfortunately, doesn’t go away with age. Adults and seniors can get cavities, too. Today, our Louisville family dentist is sharing why dental health is important at every life stage and how you can properly care for your teeth as you age.

How does tooth decay happen?

Our mouths carry normal bacteria that thrive on the sugary and starchy foods we eat. As the bacteria feed on sugars, they multiply, producing enamel-attacking acids. Food particles left between teeth from not brushing and flossing — or missing areas when you brush and floss — continue to attract bacteria. Eventually, this turns into a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth known as plaque. If not addressed, plaque hardens into tartar, which only a dentist can remove from the teeth and around the gums. Without intervention, tartar leads to holes in the teeth (cavities). Unaddressed tooth decay can cause pain, infection and tooth loss.

How are adults and seniors at risk for cavities?

As we age, we usually become more disciplined with our oral hygiene routine, brushing our teeth more frequently and thoroughly than children might. But adults and seniors face their own oral-health issues that put them at risk for developing cavities.

Let’s take a look at a few:

1. Diet/Lifestyle

Diet and lifestyle choices, such as tobacco use, frequent snacking and consuming sugary foods and beverages contribute to plaque buildup and acid production, promoting tooth decay. Beverages like coffee, dark sodas, tea and red wine, which are enjoyed by many adults, lead to tooth discoloration and can lead to decay without strong, consistent oral hygiene practices.

2. Dry mouth

As our bodies age, they sometimes rely on prescription medications for optimal health. Unfortunately, many medications can cause dry mouth, also called xerostomia. Saliva plays a necessary role in neutralizing enamel-eating acids in our mouths and washing away food particles and bacteria. A decrease in saliva production caused by certain prescription medications can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

3. Receding gums

Gums commonly begin to recede as we age, which can expose tooth roots to plaque and bacteria. Unlike the rest of our teeth, tooth roots are not covered by enamel, the outer protective coating on teeth. This lack of enamel makes tooth roots more vulnerable to decay. Gum disease, common in adults and seniors, exacerbates this problem.

4. Dental restorations

Many adults and seniors have restorations like fillings, crowns and/or bridges that weaken over time. This creates gaps where bacteria can hide and thrive.

How can I prevent tooth decay as I age?

A consistent oral health care routine is a lifetime commitment and of utmost importance in every stage of life. Our dentist for seniors in Jeffersonville is sharing the following tips to prevent tooth decay while growing older:

1. Brush and floss regularly

Brushing and flossing are the cornerstone of every oral health regimen. Our Shepherdsville family dentist, like all other dentists, recommends brushing at least twice a day — once in the morning and once before bed — with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove plaque and bacteria-attracting food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline.

2. Visit the dentist twice a year

Visit our family dentist in Louisville twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings that remove tartar that only dentists can remove. We are also trained to spot early signs of decay and other oral health issues, and we can provide tips for prevention.

3. Maintain a balanced diet

Enjoy sugars and starches in moderation. Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth clean and fights dry mouth by stimulating saliva production. Saliva rinses away food particles in the mouth and helps neutralize enamel-eating acids in the mouth.

Family dentist for adults and seniors in Louisville, Jeffersonville, and Shepherdsville, KY

Unfortunately, tooth decay isn’t something we age out of; combating it requires a lifetime commitment to your oral health. A healthy mouth is an important part of your overall health and well-being, so be sure you’re taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums. You can trust our experts at Exceptional Dentistry to help you along the way. Give us a call at 888-918-3336, or reach us online to schedule an appointment today.