5 Common Age-Related Dental Health Issues for Women

5 Common Age-Related Dental Health Issues for Women

Women, in particular, are susceptible to the whims of ageing. The hormonal changes over time can have a surprising impact on the body, including dental and oral health, especially in their later years. Here are five common age-related dental health issues to monitor over time – being aware now, and managing issues from an early age will make a difference.

Tooth Crowding

While we tend to think of tooth crowding as an issue experienced by young children as their adult teeth come in, many women also experience this issue with age. Bad habits such as lip or cheek chewing or grinding can have an impact on your teeth over time. Additionally, the muscles and ligaments in your mouth will change as you age, which can result in crowding later in life.

Crowded teeth are not just a cosmetic issue, they can lead to health issues as well. One of the primary concerns with tooth crowding is the inability to clean the spaces between teeth, potentially resulting in cavities. In extreme cases, crowding can result in tension headaches and jaw pain.

One of the common solutions for age-related tooth crowding is to get braces. Fortunately, the best invisible braces often solve the issue without making older women feel as if they are back in their awkward teen years.

Hormone-Related Gingivitis

Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s lifespan can have a profound impact on oral health. Many women who have children can attest to the experience of “pregnancy gingivitis,” in which the gums get red, swollen, and bleed while brushing.

Unfortunately, pregnancy isn’t the only significant hormonal change in a woman’s life. Many women experience the same effects during, and after, menopause. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, some studies show a connection between post-menopausal gum disease and the development of breast cancer.

The theory behind this connection is that the bacteria from the periodontium (gum tissue) gets into the bloodstream and affects other tissues throughout the body. It’s not unheard of for someone with a gum infection to die from a cardiac event if the infection goes untreated.

Be proactive about having your mouth examined, especially during hormonal changes.

Tooth Looseness and Loss

Another impact of hormonal changes in the periodontium is the loosening, or loss of teeth. This effect ties into the loss of bone density and diminished tissues that lead to osteoporosis in many women. As the tissues and structure around the jaw degrade, teeth may become loose or fall out.

Fortunately, many of the preventative measures for this issue relate to dietary choices. Eating a diet rich with leafy greens, calcium, and vitamin D can help offset the effects of age-related bone density loss. As women are more susceptible to this issue than men because of their hormones, it’s wise to take a proactive approach.

Sensitive Teeth

Another common issue for aging women is tooth sensitivity. While it may seem insignificant compared to other issues, sensitive teeth can be debilitating. This issue occurs when the gums start to degrade and show more of the tooth’s roots. It can also occur as enamel breaks down over time.

This issue can be prevented or delayed by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and using a mouth guard to offset grinding. Various toothpaste brands on the market can reduce pain and sensitivity while eating and drinking certain foods.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a multifaceted issue whose cause can be challenging to diagnose. This oral health condition can be related to hormonal changes, new medications, or other underlying health issues.

Women who experience dry mouth should see a doctor immediately to find the cause and determine the best course of treatment. Depending on the issue, treatment could vary from chewing gum to taking medication.

Women often face a variety of unique medical challenges as they age. Awareness is the first step in preventing deeper issues and ensuring overall health and longevity.