How Oral Health Changes From Age 10 to 70

Maintaining oral health is a lifelong process that evolves as the body ages, with significant changes occurring in the mouth between the ages of 10 and 70. Research indicates that the relationship between dental care and healthy ageing is critical, as changes in teeth and gums can be influenced by both the natural ageing process and external factors such as chronic diseases and medication use.

Advances in oral health care prevention and disease treatment have shifted the experience of ageing for many seniors. According to Canada.ca, these medical advancements mean that many older adults are now retaining more of their natural teeth compared to previous generations.

Changes in Teeth and Gums Over Time

As individuals age, the teeth and gums undergo several physiological changes. Some of the most common effects include increased tooth sensitivity and a higher prevalence of periodontal disease.

Tooth decay remains a persistent risk across all age groups. Teeth are protected by a hard outer coating known as enamel, but a thin film of bacteria called dental plaque builds up on the teeth daily. The bacteria within this plaque produce acids that can damage the enamel and lead to the formation of cavities.

While brushing and flossing can prevent decay, once a cavity has formed, professional dental intervention is required to fix it with a filling and prevent further damage. For those at a higher risk for decay, such as individuals experiencing dry mouth due to certain medicines or health conditions, the use of fluoride toothpaste is recommended to protect the enamel.

Dental professionals may also suggest fluoride treatments during office visits or the use of fluoride gels and mouth rinses at home to mitigate these risks.

The Link Between Oral Health and Cognitive Decline

Recent scientific evidence suggests a connection between poor oral health and an increased risk of dementia. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has highlighted research exploring how mouth infections and tooth loss may relate to cognitive impairment.

In 2020, NIA scientists analyzed long-term data from more than 6,000 older adults. The findings indicated that individuals showing signs of mouth infections and gum disease were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or a related form of dementia than those without these oral health issues.

Further research conducted in 2021 found that tooth loss is associated with a higher risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. The study noted that this risk increases with each additional missing tooth.

However, the research also found a distinction regarding the use of prosthetic teeth. Participants who had missing teeth but used dentures did not show a significantly higher risk of dementia when compared to participants who had not lost their natural teeth.

Factors Influencing Oral Health in Older Adults

The condition of a senior’s mouth is often not solely a result of ageing but is influenced by systemic health factors. Chronic diseases and the medications used to treat them can accelerate or alter the changes occurring in the teeth and gums.

For example, certain medications can cause dry mouth, which increases the vulnerability of the teeth to decay by reducing the protective effects of saliva.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is viewed as a key component of overall wellness in older age, as it allows individuals to continue enjoying a variety of nutritious and tasty foods, which supports general health and longevity.

A systematic review of longitudinal research continues to examine the connection between oral health and healthy ageing to provide clearer insights into how dental maintenance contributes to the overall quality of life in the older adult population.