Teeth in elderly?
 

I never used to get cavities. I am now 72. The last few years I have been having cavities regularly. Is it just to be accepted that aging teeth will experience this? I am brushing and flossing and rinsing now more than ever to no avail.

I'm approaching 71 and haven't had a cavity for at least 10 years now....but I don't eat any candy at all. I brush twice a day and floss once.

At my 6 month cleaning, my dentist always mentions that he is keeping an eye on a couple of older fillings. I think it's a case of wanting to do something more than the cleaninng.

Some people tend to get cavities easier than others....no matter how much they care for them.

Not in my experience. Old crowns are having to be replaced, but the original teeth themselves seem as strong as ever.

Older fillings and crowns have a life span. Stuff done in your early years will gradually need to be replaced. If you put it off too long, it will bite you in the *ass.

I'm no expert, but my wife is a retired dental assistant. Age alone won't cause cavities. The biggest issue is with aging gum tissue if not properly taken care of. My wife is a big proponent of the water pic for gum care and in between teeth cleaning.

Yes, have been using a water pic for some time now. And an electric toothbrush. Twice a day. And still getting cavities. Damn.

I have a theory that genetics plays a part. Don't recall ever reading anything about it, though.

My cat had self-dissolving teeth unfortunately.
Scurvy in sailors was cured by adding lemons (VitC) to the menu during the long hauls.

Genetics and proper nutrition are a base to habits.

A huge factor can be dry mouth (xerostomia) often caused by medications. It’s no joke… can lead to serous destruction if hygiene isn’t immaculate.

So it's obviously not due to hygiene habits, but something has changed? Drinking more coffee or something else than you used to drink? Different foods? Or maybe it's a change in your body.
Yes. Genetics plays a part in oral health. For instance, I went for an extended time after HS before I went back to a dentist (poor, crappy insurance, and the indifference of youth). WHen I finally got back to a dentist, I think I had a couple of cavities, but the dentist was shocked because there was practically no plaque/tartar build up. It was like a 6 month cleaning on most folks. My mom says that she's never got any build-up on her teeth either. My wife can go in once a year and needs a heavy duty cleaning because of build up (I think she goes every 6 months to combat that). My theory and this has been supported by dental hygienists is that my oral chemistry doesn't support build up, whether it's due to PH or enzymes or lack of minerals in saliva or what, I don't know. Some folks have the opposite so they develop build up quite easily. I'm sure that the chemistry and environment (bacteria, whatever) in the mouth probably also can create a hospitable environment or inhospitable environment for cavities.

Maybe your oral chemistry has changed, or maybe your eating/drinking habits have changed?

Yes. The elderly should have teeth. ;)

I have noticed that some medications have a negative effect on teeth.

Eyes, teeth and feet.

Ask any old person

Dennis, I didn't see any mention of the brand toothpaste you are using.

I switched over the the Crest Pro Health line of products and since have had better results with my teeth and gums.

There's quite a few products available including their mouthwash, which I highly recommend. Some gum health products as well.

HTH! SmileWavy

I think there is something to that. I'm 55 and have never had a cavity. Dad is in 80's and hasn't had one ether. Granted, I don't do a lot of sweets - no soda, gum, candy etc., so I guess that plays a role....my wife on the other hand eats better than I do, very healthy, and has bad gums/teeth in general.

^^^ OK who's gonna be 1st to click on that link??

What link?

It's been deleted. A bot with a link to another name that was strange.

There is a prescription toothpaste that your dentist can sell you that has a much higher level of fluoride than the stuff you buy in the store. Might be worth inquiring?

Diet plays an important role. If you regularly drink acidic beverages they will weaken the tooth's enamel making it easier for cavities to form. Also, brushing immediately after eating / drinking can also erode the enamel as it is more vulnerable to damage at that time. Use of a fluoridated mouth rinse is better for after meal rinsing.

I have never had a cavity, broken or cracked tooth, any issue with the teeth at all. However, I have significant gum recession. I finally started flossing religiously and the gum depths measure almost normal. My wife has cavities and crowns galore, her teeth are fragile and expensive, but her gums are great. Genetics are a big deal.

Teeth get old as everything else in your body.

Do you wonder why your wiener is not as fit as it used to be when you were 21.

As our body ages collagen, the protein structural matrix degrades. As a result you can easily see your skin sagging. On the same page when teeth loose collagen they become more brittle and less "flexible" because of the lack of this protein cushion.

Add long life expectancy..... In the USA life expectancy in the 1960s was 60ish..

Life expectancy in healthy modern socioeconomic groups is pushing over 90 today

Parts get old........

Go to the dentist, get your regular checks fix things before are not fixable.