Happy Monday!!  I almost forgot to post this article. This is part 2 of 2 articles discussing 6 common problems with older teeth. Check on your parents and grandparents. I don't quite remember when was the turning point when it changed from my parents taking care of us to us taking care of our parents. But this is certainly our turn to take care of them.

My Teeth Didn’t Use To Look Like This (Part 2)

As Americans get older, they are keeping more and more teeth in their mouths; and with that, more problems arise.  In last month’s article, I wrote about the first 3 common problems of aging patients that I’m concerned about as a dentist. This time, I will discuss the last 3… oral cancer, crowding and grinding/clenching.

85% of smokers started smoking when they were 21 years old or younger. Every day, people try to quit smoking.  Some succeed, others don’t.  With every exam, I do an oral cancer check. Patients ask me, “I don’t smoke, why would you need to check every time?” Smoking doesn’t cause oral cancer but it increases the risks of it. There are other issues involved besides smoking. Heavy alcohol usages as well as the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) are also linked with oral cancer. Every year there are close to 43,000 new cases.  The risks increase with age.  As with most cancers, the best chance for survival is early detection at an early stage.  Make sure you have regular visits to your dental office that includes an oral cancer check. Your dentist as well as your hygienist should both do it at every exam.  If your dentist does not check for oral cancer, find another dental office that will care for you.

Crowded teeth… With age, teeth do shift.  It makes it more difficult to clean and along with that comes periodontal disease possibly leading to lost teeth, or decay. 

Your crowded teeth could also be damaged with biting on the new positions.  What are the solutions? The simplest is a retainer to keep the teeth from shifting more.  The more ideal solution is braces to realign the teeth and prevent them from crowding again.  Shifting teeth could also mean gum disease.  Have your dentist check with xrays to be sure what the problem is.  Having fixed a smile with straighter brighter teeth is the easiest way to look younger, my patients tell me!

The last problem with aging is destruction of your teeth and restorations by grinding or clenching.  These are abnormal movements with abnormal strength usually at night.  It’s enough to damage or fracture teeth or crack porcelain crowns. Small fractures associated with everyday biting and chewing can also be more noticeable with age as staining collects in these cracks.  I recommend nightly use of a custom made night guard.  This will not stop you from grinding but it will protect your teeth.  Custom night guards are smaller and more comfortable than the store bought ones. They are more tolerable and patients will wear them more consistently. 

As my mother in law says, “Age is only a number. You are only as old as you say you are. I’ll always be 26!”