How Aging Affects Your Teeth and Gums
Maintain Your Oral Health As You Age
Best Family Dentistry in Baton Rouge, LA
Aging brings wisdom, experience—and, unfortunately, some wear and tear on your teeth and gums. While these changes are a natural part of life, understanding what to expect and how to manage them can help you maintain a strong, beautiful smile well into your later years.
At Concord Family Dental in Baton Rouge, we help our patients navigate the changes that come with aging. Whether you're in your 30s or 70s, our team provides the preventive, cosmetic, and restorative care you need to stay confident in your oral health.
What Happens to Your Teeth as You Age?
1. Enamel Wear
Decades of chewing, grinding, and exposure to acidic foods and beverages slowly wear away your enamel. As enamel thins, your teeth may appear yellow and become more sensitive.
2. Tooth Discoloration
Stains from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco can accumulate over time. A bright smile may require periodic whitening or cosmetic updates.
3. Tooth Decay
Older adults are more prone to decay, especially at the gum line and around older dental work. Dry mouth—often caused by medications—also contributes to the risk.
4. Tooth Loss
While modern dentistry has greatly reduced tooth loss in older adults, untreated decay and gum disease can still result in the need for extractions or replacements.
Changes to Your Gums with Age
1. Gum Recession
Receding gums are common with age and expose the roots of your teeth, increasing sensitivity and vulnerability to decay.
2. Periodontal Disease
Older adults are more likely to develop gum disease due to plaque buildup, poor oral hygiene, and systemic health conditions. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss and tooth loss. Fortunately, seeing a periodontist in Baton Rouge early can help preserve your oral health.
3. Slower Healing and Increased Inflammation
Your body’s healing ability slows as you age. This means that infections, ulcers, and inflammation may last longer and require more attentive care.
Restorative Solutions for the Aging Smile
If you’ve lost or damaged teeth, restorative dentistry can help rebuild your smile and restore function. At Concord Family Dental, we offer:
Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns restore strength and appearance to damaged teeth, while bridges fill gaps left by missing teeth.
Dental Implants
For patients who qualify, dental implants provide a long-term solution to replace missing teeth and preserve jawbone integrity.
Full or Partial Dentures
Today’s dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever. We design them to meet your unique functional and aesthetic needs.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Mature Smiles
As a trusted cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, our team helps patients enhance the appearance of their teeth at any age. Cosmetic services include:
- Teeth whitening
- Bonding for chips and cracks
- Veneers to improve color, shape, and alignment
- Smile makeovers tailored to your goals
These options aren’t just about looks—they can also boost confidence and improve your overall well-being.
Tips for Keeping Your Smile Healthy as You Age
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss or use an interdental cleaner every day
- Visit your dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings
- Stay hydrated to reduce dry mouth
- Avoid tobacco products
- Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamins
Prioritize Your Oral Health at Every Stage of Life
Oral health plays a crucial role in overall health, and maintaining your teeth and gums as you age requires a proactive approach. Whether you're due for a cleaning, exploring cosmetic updates, or need advanced care, the team at Concord Family Dental is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule your visit with one of the most trusted dental teams in Baton Rouge. Your smile deserves expert care—at any age.
13323 Hooper Rd, Baton Rouge, LA