Dental Health
Acknowledgments: This module has been developed by DVA Dental Advisers, using material from NSW Health Multicultural Community Service, www.mydr.com.au, John Appleyard and the Victorian Cancer Council.
Why your teeth and gums are important for good health
The idea that tooth loss is a normal part of ageing is a myth - as long as you take care of your teeth, there's no reason why you shouldn't have as many teeth in your 70s as you did in your 20s.
Growing older in the 21st century means that you are more likely to keep your natural teeth as you age. Twenty years ago most people in Australia aged 65 or over had no natural teeth. But, thanks to better dental care, more of us are keeping our teeth, and experts predict that by 2019, only 20% of elderly people will have lost all their teeth.
Keeping our teeth into old age is an advantage because it makes it easier to chew fresh fruit and vegetables - foods that contain important nutrients and fibre that can prevent many diseases. Older people who have difficulty chewing tend to eat only soft, processed foods and their general health may suffer as a result. Consuming many soft, high carbohydrate foods can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Age-related changes
Like the rest of the body, the mouth changes with age. Understanding these changes helps to make it easier to maintain a healthy mouth and teeth. The shade of teeth darkens with age, and the working surfaces of teeth may show signs of some wear. Severe wear of teeth is not normal.
The production of saliva should remain constant during ageing. Many prescription medications can decrease the flow of saliva, causing a dry mouth. Having a dry mouth increases the chance of developing tooth decay; fungal infections in the mouth and severe tooth wear.
With age, the gum tissues tend to become more irritated when dental plaque builds up on the teeth. In some people, the roots of the teeth may become exposed as the gum tissues recede. This process is driven by irritation in the gum tissues and is not a normal age-related change.