For decades, Conni Sota left every dental checkup with a clean bill of health. But then came a string of troubles: first the “twinges� with cold drinks, then thinning gums. Inconsistent flossing got some of the blame, admits Sota, 51, who works in a Philadelphia-area law office. But the bigger culprit was age: “Teeth and gums are vulnerable to wear, and it’s during your 50s and 60s that problems often start to show up,� says Robert Palmer, head of geriatrics at the Cleveland Clinic.
Teeth Whitening
The good news: A few changes to your dental routine can help. Here, warning signs to watch for — and fixes that will keep your smile healthy. Warning Sign: Twinges:
Fluoridated water was less widespread when Sota was growing up, and there were no fluoride rinses. Without that protection, “most of us in this age group have fillings, and that’s where we often see cracks in patients over 50,� says Kimberly Harms, a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. “When a tooth is repaired, it’s never as strong as the original.�
But with age, even unfilled teeth become vulnerable to cracks. And those are prime breeding grounds for bacteria.
Another common entry point: the gum line, where tissue recedes with age.
“Decay here can become serious quickly because it’s close to the tooth’s nerve,� says Harms. “If you don’t prevent or catch it early, you could need a root canal.�
Call your dentist if you feel even a slight twinge. It may take an x-ray to pinpoint the crack, which can be smoothed or filled. Larger breaks often require a full crown or cap.
Your best defenses: brushing, flossing, and using a fluoride rinse. In one study, twice-daily rinsers had nearly one-third the risk of root cavities as did people who used fluoride toothpaste and a placebo rinse. But avoid rinses with alcohol, says Margaret Lappan Green, RDH, past president of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association; they can irritate older gums.
Warning Sign: Sensitive Teeth and Painful Gums:
For people with sensitive teeth, often the reason is that periodontal disease has eroded their gums. This bacterial disease starts without symptoms, and many people don’t know they have it until extensive damage has occurred. More than half of adults over age 55 have at least a mild case.
As bacteria build up at the base of your teeth, you may just notice a little bleeding when you brush. But as the microbes multiply, they loosen gum tissue, eating into underlying ligaments and bone that hold teeth in place. Bacteria may also get into your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
Halt early gum disease with professional deep cleaning, daily antibacterial rinses (like Crest Pro- Health or stronger prescription varieties), and more-frequent dental visits — typically once every 3 months.
If you have sensitive teeth, ask your dentist about topical fluoride or other prescription desensitizing agents. Over-the-counter fluoride rinses or toothpastes such as Sensodyne can also help. And go easy on bleaching, which can temporarily increase sensitivity. Always check with your dentist before beginning to bleach.
“Get religious about flossing,� says Harms.
Choose a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles. Or try a rotation oscillation electric brush (check the label); research shows that these reduce plaque and gum inflammation better than manual types.
Be sure to ask your dentist this lifesaving question:
“Did you check my mouth for oral cancer?� Risk of the disease rises after age 40 (smokers are at highest risk). Half of all oral cancers are discovered in an advanced stage, when survival odds are low. If caught early, though, it’s one of the most curable cancers — so make sure your dentist is on the lookout.
