5 Ways Your Smile Changes As You Age
September 10, 2021 6:21 pm |Dealing with changes to your body is a natural part of growing older. From going through growth spurts as a child to dealing with puberty as a teenager to handling wrinkles, gray hair, and everything else that comes when you’re elderly, it’s just a fact of life. Did you know though that your smile also changes as you age?
Your smile is probably not the first thing you think of when you consider the physical changes of aging, but it is a real thing! Here are five ways your smile transforms the older you get.
1. Effects of Wear & Tear
Over a lifetime, our teeth put in a ton of work. Just think about all those years of biting, chewing, and grinding! While our teeth may be super durable, they are sadly not indestructible. That means that you might start seeing more and more evidence of wear and tear as you get older.
2. Teeth Shifting
It’s a little bit weird to think about but our teeth are constantly shifting their positions as we age, even if it may be very slowly and in very small amounts. The older you get, you may notice that your teeth don’t have the same alignment that they used to. This happens because as our jawbones weaken naturally over time, the teeth start to move.
3. Drier Mouth
Another effect of aging on your mouth is that you may produce less saliva. This may not seem like that big of a deal but saliva actually helps fight cavities by rinsing away debris that can lead to decay.
4. Dulling or Yellowing Teeth
When we get older, it’s normal for our tooth enamel (the outer, protective layer on teeth) to wear away. This enamel, unfortunately, can never grow back. When the enamel wears away, it reveals more of the inner portion of a tooth called the dentin. Dentin is yellow in color, which is why your teeth might not seem as bright white as before.
5. Increased Risk of Oral Cancer
Not everyone who gets old will get oral cancer, but being older does increase your risk of developing the disease. The good news is that oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early.
At Vista Ridge Family Dentistry, our experienced team is here to guide our patients through every stage of dental wellness, from pediatric dentistry to restorative dentistry. If you have any questions about your oral health, or you need some guidance on how to make sure you enjoy a healthy smile for many years to come, contact our Cedar Park dental office today.
Categorised in: Blog, Family Dental Care, Oral Health, Restorative Dentistry