How Aging Affects Your Teeth: A Periodontist’s Guide to Keeping Your Smile Healthy for Life

How Aging Affects Your Teeth: A Periodontist’s Guide to Keeping Your Smile Healthy for Life

As we age, our teeth and gums undergo significant biological changes that affect function, strength, and overall oral health. According to experts such as Professor Arab, a periodontist and oral surgeon based in Mashhad, understanding these changes is essential for protecting your smile throughout adulthood.

Understanding the Structure of a Tooth

A tooth is composed of three primary layers:

• Enamel — the hard, mineralized outer layer

• Dentine — a collagen-rich structure that absorbs chewing pressure

• Pulp — the nerve and blood vessel center

Enamel is brittle yet highly protective, while dentine provides flexibility through its woven collagen structure. Unlike bone, the cells that maintain dentine cannot regenerate indefinitely, leading to several age-related dental issues.

How Teeth Change With Age

1. Loss of Dentine Flexibility

Over time, dentine becomes stiffer as collagen fibers lose elasticity, making teeth more prone to cracking—especially if large fillings or previous root treatments are present.

2. Thinning of Enamel

Enamel wears down gradually due to brushing, chewing, and acidic exposure. As it thins, the darker dentine beneath becomes more visible, giving teeth a yellowish or opaque shade.

3. Reduced Tooth Sensitivity

Dentine thickens internally, shrinking the pulp chamber and reducing sensitivity to temperature. Cavities may progress unnoticed without X-rays.

4. Increased Staining

Micro-cracks on enamel trap pigments from foods and drinks. Fortunately, these stains are often treatable with professional whitening.

Seven Expert Recommendations to Protect Teeth as You Age

1. Avoid Unnecessary Stress on Teeth

✓ Do not use your teeth to tear packaging or hold tools.

✓ If you grind your teeth, wear a night guard.

✓ Ask your dentist about crowns or durable restorative materials to reinforce weak teeth.

2. Replace Missing Teeth to Evenly Distribute Force

Missing molars overload remaining teeth. Implants, bridges, or well-fitted dentures help balance chewing. Dentures should be checked regularly and replaced approximately every 10 years.

3. Protect and Preserve Your Enamel

Use soft-bristled toothbrushes and non-abrasive toothpaste. Limit acidic foods and manage acid reflux. Choose toothpastes labeled “sensitive” if unsure.

4. Improve Saliva Flow and Quality

Saliva protects enamel, neutralizes acids, and prevents decay. Medications, age, and medical conditions can reduce saliva production. Discuss alternative prescriptions with your doctor. Use saliva substitutes if needed.

5. Treat Gum Disease Early

As emphasized by Prof. Arab (Periodontist, Mashhad), untreated gum disease accelerates tooth loss and exposes root surfaces. • Periodontal treatment preserves bone, reduces recession, and supports long-term tooth stability.

6. Reduce Factors That Accelerate Cellular Aging

Cellular senescence reduces the body's resilience and increases susceptibility to disease. Quit smoking Control diabetes, Treat chronic infections like gum disease

7. Adapt Your Oral Care Routine as Needed

Aging affects dexterity, eyesight, and ability to maintain oral hygiene. Ask your dental team for customized tools such as electric brushes or special flossers. Schedule regular professional cleanings and periodontal maintenance.

Conclusion

Your teeth change throughout life, but with proper care, you can maintain a healthy smile well into older age. With guidance from specialists like Prof. Arab in Mashhad, early intervention and preventive care remain the key to lifelong dental health.

Articles are reviewed by Dr. Arab gum surgeon and periodontologist. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your dentist, doctor or other qualified health care provider.