The aging process in general affects all the systems and organs of our body. Motor, cognitive, liver, kidney function, etc. And of course, our mouth also undergoes changes related to the passage of time.
We are going to see its consequences on the oral tissues.
EFFECTS OF AGING ON TEETH
The changes that appear in the teeth are as follows.
Generally, they are losing whiteness, they are becoming more yellow or gray. Dentin is the internal hard tissue of the tooth, it degrades and transcludes through the enamel.
Another consequence is the wear of the teeth that make the enamel disappear and dentin appear, consequently more yellow or gray teeth and increased sensitivity when chewing or drinking cold liquid.
Wear also appears on the neck of the tooth since the root is exposed and, as it does not have an enamel coating, the area of the gum margin is undermined and a cavity is generated.
Lastly, they increase the possibility of fractures, and, related to the decrease in salivary flow, the possibility of cavities increases.
EFFECTS ON PERIODONTAL TISSUES (GUMS, PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT AND BONE).
The tissues surrounding the tooth are also affected.
There is usually a gingival recession, that is, the gums are lost, and the root of the tooth is seen more and more. Consequently, the bone and the periodontal ligament that holds the tooth are also being lost.
The final consequence is the mobility of the tooth and the loss of it.
Regarding the rest of the soft tissues of the mouth, the most common increase in oral dryness associated with aging and sometimes increased by taking certain medications.
The tongue, sublingual area, cheeks and nodes must be inspected well to verify that there is no abnormal growth.
TREATMENTS TO ALLEVIATE THE EFFECTS
With regard to the teeth, conservative treatments such as fillings (fillings), root canals, and, in severe cases, total rehabilitation of the mouth with crowns or implants or a combination of both, can be done.
In the case of periodontal tissues, you have to be very preventive with them to minimize their loss.
Going once or twice a year to perform oral hygiene or deeper periodontal treatments will help to slow down the process.
In this annual review, we must also review the soft tissues mentioned above.
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