How to look after your teeth in mid-life

So often we spend time addressing the dental issues our children face, and our own dental care may slip into the background. But over the years our teeth and gums go through many changes and can even indicate other health risks we may be facing. We spoke to Dr Hooman at Glow Dental about what to watch out for and how to maximise our dental regime. Here’s what he told us…

What happens to our teeth as we age? 

As we age, our teeth can become worn down and more prone to decay and gum disease. Teeth may also move due to changes in our gums and bone structure.

 What kind of wear and tear is normal?

As you age, normal wear and tear on your teeth can include slight erosion of enamel from exposure to acids, everyday chewing and brushing, minor discolouration, and gradual wear on tooth surfaces from years of use.

If the teeth are misaligned sometimes some teeth become worn more quickly making them sensitive or unsightly. Alignment with Invisalign can help with this.

People who clench and grind their teeth can have an increased rate of tooth-wear. A nightguard can help to reduce this, and sometimes Botox injections in the jaw muscles can help to limit the forces generated by reducing the rate of wear.

Our expert team using the latest advances in digital technology can provide appropriate solutions to this problem.

Are oral health and overall health linked?

Yes, oral health and overall health are linked because poor oral health can lead to or worsen other health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

What kind of decay is most common?

The most common type of tooth decay is a cavity, a hole in the tooth caused by bacteria breaking down sugars in food into acid. Quite often people develop cavities either between the teeth if they don’t floss or in deep fissures, particularly if exposed to sugar regularly. A cavity damages the tooth enamel by creating holes or weak spots as bacteria produce acids that break down the enamel’s mineral structure. Once the softened enamel is penetrated by bacteria into dentine, the cavity spreads towards the pulp of the tooth.

How do misaligned teeth affect your ability to keep them clean?

Misaligned teeth can make it harder to clean effectively because they create tight spaces where food and plaque can easily accumulate, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Sometimes misaligned teeth can also contact the opposing teeth in an unbalanced way leading to greater wear and loss of tooth structure, which in turn can cause possible sensitivity and chipping of the teeth.

What about movement – are teeth more likely to move as we age?

Yes, teeth can become more prone to shifting or moving slightly as we age due to factors like gum disease, bone loss and changes in tooth alignment over time.

What problems might this cause? 

Misalignment can affect your bite and appearance. Crowded teeth can be harder to clean thoroughly. Misaligned teeth may lead to gum disease, increased rate of tooth-wear or recession. Poor alignment can contribute to jaw discomfort or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

How can we address this?

A consultation with a dentist or orthodontist to assess your specific situation and recommend the best treatment options for your age and dental health.

Orthodontic treatment: Options such as braces or clear aligners can gradually move teeth into proper alignment. Wearing retainers after orthodontic treatment helps maintain teeth in their new position.

Invisalign is an almost invisible way of realigning teeth to help better alignment and bite to reduce tooth-wear, make teeth easier to clean and help to improve smiles. Our expert team can discuss all this after a thorough assessment. At Glow Dental, our Invisalign certified dental team and specialist orthodontist can find the most appropriate solution for you after discussion of all available options.

How common is gum disease?

It’s estimated that around half of adults in the UK have gum disease to some extent, ranging from mild gingivitis to more severe periodontitis. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene habits are essential for preventing and managing gum disease.

What are the symptoms? 

Symptoms of gum disease include swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth and gum recession (gums pulling away from the teeth).

What is the best prevention?

The best prevention for gum disease is maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice daily, flossing daily, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and hygienist visits.

What causes receding gums?

Receding gums are typically caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, or genetic factors where the gums gradually pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots.

Can you prevent recession?

You can help prevent gum recession by practising gentle brushing, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and maintaining good oral hygiene to avoid gum disease.

Can gum problems cause halitosis?

Yes, gum problems such as gum disease can cause halitosis (bad breath) when bacteria in the mouth can release foul-smelling gases. Treating gum problems and maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce halitosis.

 Can gum disease be indicative of anything else in the body?

Yes, gum disease can be indicative of other health issues in the body. For example, it has been linked to:

Heart disease: Inflammation from gum disease can contribute to heart disease and increase the risk of heart attacks

Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to periodontal gum infections

Respiratory problems: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to infections like pneumonia

Osteoporosis: There may be a link between gum disease and the bone-weakening disease osteoporosis

Alzheimer’s disease: Some research suggests that chronic gum inflammation might be linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease

Can you tell us about oral biofilm and general health?

Oral biofilm, also known as dental plaque, is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not properly managed, it can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, which can then contribute to other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections.

There is a new pioneering way of removing oral biofilm during hygienist appointments – Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT). At Glow Dental, we have invested in this new technology and are fully certified, so it is now provided as standard to all patients during hygiene appointments in our practice. It warms the water too so reduces potential sensitivity!

Is tooth loss a sign of anything else?

Tooth loss is often a sign of advanced gum disease (periodontitis), but it can also indicate other health issues such as osteoporosis, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies and potentially an increased risk of heart disease.

How can you prevent tooth loss?

You can prevent tooth loss by practising good oral hygiene, which includes:

Regular dental check-ups and hygienist visits: Visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and check-ups

Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet low in sugar and high in nutrients

Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth

Avoid tobacco: Refrain from smoking or using other tobacco products

Manage health conditions: Keep cond

itions like diabetes under control to reduce their impact on oral health

Is mouth cancer something to be concerned about as we get older?

Yes, mouth cancer is more common in older people. The risk of developing oral cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in individuals over the age of 55. However, it’s important to note that oral cancer can occur at any age, and risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, as well as HPV infection, can increase the likelihood of developing this type of cancer regardless of age. Our team at Glow Dental routinely screen our patients during regular dental check-ups which can aid early detection and treatment.

What should you look out for?

Persistent mouth ulcers or sores: Sores that don’t heal within a few weeks

Red or white patches: Any unusual patches on the tongue, gums or lining of the mouth

Swelling: Persistent swelling or lumps in the mouth, throat or neck

Pain or discomfort: Pain when swallowing, speaking or chewing

Changes in voice: Hoarseness or persistent changes in voice quality

Difficulty with the jaw or tongue: Difficulty or pain when moving the jaw or tongue

Bleeding: Unexplained bleeding in the mouth or throat

Numbness: Numbness or loss of feeling in any part of the mouth or lips

How can you mitigate damage to your teeth?

You can mitigate damage to your teeth by practising good oral hygiene, limiting sugary foods, avoiding tobacco, wearing a mouthguard during sports and seeing your dentist regularly for check-ups.

What should you avoid?

To maintain healthy teeth, you should avoid habits like teeth grinding (bruxism), chewing on hard objects like ice or pens, using your teeth to open packages and consuming excessive amounts of acidic foods and beverages, which can contribute to enamel erosion.

What treatments can you have to strengthen your teeth?

Fluoride treatments: Dentists can apply fluoride varnish or gel to your teeth to strengthen enamel and prevent decay

Dental sealants: These are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to shield them from decay

Proper diet: Consuming foods rich in calcium, phosphates and vitamins can promote strong teeth

Avoiding acidic foods and drinks: Limiting consumption of acidic beverages and foods can help prevent enamel erosion

Regular dental care: Seeing your dentist regularly for cleaning and check-ups ensures early detection and treatment of any issues that could weaken your teeth

What are the best products to use?

The best products to use for maintaining good oral health include fluoride toothpaste, electric toothbrushes or soft-bristled toothbrushes, dental floss and mouthwash with fluoride or antibacterial properties.

How can you avoid staining?

You can avoid staining your teeth by reducing consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco, and by practising good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing regularly. Regular hygienist visits will help to remove any staining that has built up to keep teeth stain free.

What treatments can help with discolouration?

Professional teeth whitening: Done by a dentist, this involves using bleaching agents to lighten stains and discolouration

Dental veneers: Thin porcelain or composite resin shells that cover the front surface of teeth to mask discolouration

Bonding: Using a tooth-coloured composite resin to cover stains and improve the appearance of teeth

Professional cleaning by a dental hygienist can remove surface stains and prevent discolouration

Visit GlowDental.co.uk