Is Losing Teeth A Part Of The Aging Process?

Why do you say that ‘losing teeth is a natural part of aging’ is a myth?

Losing teeth is not a part of the aging process. I tell my patients they were born with two sets of teeth, the second set being called permanent for a specific reason. They’re meant to be with us permanently. A lot of what happens to our teeth during our lifetime results from what we’ve done over time, the diet we choose, how well we clean our teeth, and whether we get our teeth checked regularly and cleaned professionally. Do we use our teeth for things they’re not designed for?

All these things take a toll. One of the biggest threats is a sugary, starchy diet. This continually fuels the oral bacteria in the mouth to produce acids, causing gum problems and tooth decay. In conjunction with poor oral hygiene, this is the road for tooth loss. What can a patient do to prevent tooth loss?

Monitor your diet. Try to limit your sugar and starch intake. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Visit your dentist annually for checkups and get your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. Don’t use your teeth for chewing ice or things they’re not designed to do. If you suffer from dry mouth, a common ailment today as a side effect of many prescription drugs, talk to your physician about maybe altering that medication.

Dry mouth can drastically increase your risk of tooth decay, gum problems, and ultimately tooth loss. If you take good care of your teeth, you will have your teeth for a lifetime. I know in years past, our grandparents may not have had their teeth for a lifetime, but they didn’t have the advantages that we do today. They didn’t know about home care that we do today, so they were at a disadvantage. We have no excuse.