{"id":59,"date":"2019-08-20T18:39:04","date_gmt":"2019-08-20T18:39:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kentuckysedationdentist.com\/blog\/?p=59"},"modified":"2019-08-20T18:39:04","modified_gmt":"2019-08-20T18:39:04","slug":"aging-mouth-dentist-explains-normal-not","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kentuckysedationdentist.com\/blog\/2019\/08\/20\/aging-mouth-dentist-explains-normal-not\/","title":{"rendered":"The Aging Mouth: A Dentist Explains What Is Normal and What Is Not"},"content":{"rendered":"\"seniorYou have several decades of life experience \u2014 and so does your mouth. For years upon years, it has helped you (literally) taste the best that life has to offer. As time has passed, however, you may have begun to notice changes in the way your mouth works and feels. Is that normal? Let\u2019s talk about how your mouth may change as you journey through your golden years and how you can enjoy sound oral health no matter how old you are.\r\n\r\n\r\n

Normal Changes in the Mouth<\/h2>\r\nIt\u2019s common for the nerves in the teeth to grow smaller with age. You may therefore be less likely to feel pain or sensitivity when dental decay is in its early stages. That can lead to dangerously large cavities that call for extensive dental treatment. However, it is possible to prevent this issue via thorough oral hygiene and regular preventive visits to your dentist<\/a>.\r\n\r\nIt is also worth noting that most individuals aged 65 and older are coping with at least one chronic health condition. Some of these conditions have a direct effect on oral health, whereas others have an indirect impact on the mouth due to the medications used to treat them. For example, quite a few medications cause dry mouth, which in turn can contribute to bad breath and dental decay. Again, this underscores the importance of routine dental visits. Your dentist can help you cope with such issues so your smile maintains its beauty and functionality for as long as possible.\r\n\r\nOlder age also brings with it an increased risk of periodontitis and bruxism (teeth grinding).\r\n

What Is Not <\/em>Normal<\/h2>\r\nDon\u2019t let the above information scare you or fool you into thinking that your oral health is doomed. Tooth loss used to be considered a foregone conclusion for seniors \u2014 but it is not! In fact, with proper care, there is a good chance that you will be able to retain all of your natural teeth for the rest of your life.\r\n

Caring for Your Mouth as You Age<\/h2>\r\nAs you grow older, keep the following oral health tips in mind:\r\n