Is tooth aging inevitable? Studio Dentaire

According to Santé Publique France, one-third of dental consultations among senior citizens are due to discomfort or pain. And yet, while the aging of teeth is a physiological reality, there are many ways of controlling its effects. Studio Dentaire welcomes hundreds of patients every year, and is dedicated to restoring smiles to everyone.Tooth enamel wear and tooth loss are far from inevitable: consult your dentist without delay!

What is tooth aging?

Like all the body’s tissues and organs, the mouth and teeth change with age. Cell renewal slows down, and the immune system reacts less quickly to aggression. It’s not just the enamel that’s affected, since the periodontium (the structure that supports the teeth) also ages, making the teeth more fragile. Age often leads to gum retraction and bone loss, directly responsible for tooth loosening. Finally, the elderly tend to suffer from dry mouth, as reduced saliva production reduces its protective effect against acid attack, decay and infection.

What are the signs of aging teeth?

Subjected to intensive use, the oral cavity is weakened and plays its role less effectively. This natural phenomenon can be accentuated by the consumption of coffee, alcohol or tobacco, the taking of medication or the presence of disease. Warning signs of age-related dental problems include increased plaque, yellowing enamel, tooth wear and gum inflammation. These symptoms should prompt you to consult a dentist.

What dental problems are associated with aging?

The effects of aging on teeth are well known to dentists: enamel discoloration or the appearance of stains, tooth erosion, cracks or breaks, teeth moving or falling out… The appearance of cavities, gingivitis or periodontal disease is often more frequent in people over 60.

How can we limit the effects of age on oral health?

To prevent the consequences of oral aging, regular visits to the dentist are essential. The dentist performs a complete check-up, assessing the condition of your teeth, gums and periodontium. He or she will advise you on the best way to brush your teeth: use a soft-bristled brush and a toothpaste suited to your needs, complement brushing morning and night with brushes or dental floss, use mouthwash…

The dentist performs scaling to remove plaque. Regular dental care also helps detect and treat cavities and gingivitis before they lead to more serious consequences.

Depending on the results of your clinical examination, your dentist can recommend various solutions to counter the effects of aging:

Placement of veneers or ceramic inlays to conceal damaged parts of the tooth;
Extraction of excessively affected teeth, followed by a cosmetic procedure;
Installation of bridges or dental implants with prostheses to replace one or more missing teeth.

At Studio Dentaire, every patient is unique, and we adapt our approach on a case-by-case basis. We look at your overall health and well-being, not just the oral sphere. After a complete check-up, your dentist will offer you personalized care, clearly explaining the reasons for his or her choice and the course of treatment. Last but not least, we offer all our patients access to quality dental care by providing them with a quotation and the option to pay in instalments.