4 Common Oral Health Changes Caused by Aging, and How to Prevent Them

It's a fact of life that as we age, our bodies will change. And that includes our teeth and mouths. "Teeth take quite a journey as time goes by," says cosmetic dentist Dr. David Wagner, DDS. "As we age, our mouths go through some interesting shifts. Gums may start to pull back, making teeth appear longer and exposing their roots. Saliva production tends to slow down, which can lead to dryness and a higher chance of cavities." Your medications may even affect your oral health. These are the age-related oral changes you should be aware of when it comes to your smile, and what experts say you can do to prevent them. Aging and oral health Dusanpetkovic/Getty Images Just like the rest of your body, your mouth changes as you age -- even if you haven't noticed. Your teeth may have shifted, your mouth might feel drier and things are just a bit different than they were 10 or 20 years ago. "As we age, our mouth undergoes several changes," says Dr. James Heaton, cosmetic dentist and owner of ... Read full article.