The state, placement, and structure of our teeth are all impermanent due to the passage of time. Our teeth also go through certain modifications as we age. Understanding these changes is crucial if we want to stop or slow down the aging of our teeth. Read on to learn some of the changes according to a dentist in Tukwila, WA.
How Do Teeth Alter with Age?
The normal aging process of your teeth can be prepared for with regular dental checkups. We must adjust to some natural changes, even though some are caused by how we have taken care of our teeth over the years.
- Teeth Position Alterations
Our teeth take on a semi-permanent shape in our mouths as they erupt. With the aid of oral and orthodontic appliances, the teeth can be shaped and realigned for a more comfortable fit. With time, when the mouth and jaw gradually shorten, this will change. These natural alterations, weakened muscles, bone density, and the results of years of chewing might cause the teeth to move.
- Teeth Color Variation
In addition to the stains brought on by various foods, drinks, and cigarette usage, our teeth’s coloring naturally varies over time. A layer known as dentin, which is yellow, lies beneath the tooth’s white enamel coating.
- Weakening of Enamel
Despite being the toughest material on our bodies, our enamel can also deteriorate and suffer damage over time. Grinding is the main cause of enamel deterioration. Practicing good oral hygiene throughout your lifetime is crucial because this and other tooth-related actions occur.
- Dental Nerve Weakness
As we age, the dental nerve, found in the middle of each tooth, gets thinner over time. The weakening dental nerve could not notify us as quickly as it would when we were more youthful when an oral issue emerged, postponing necessary dental work.
- Clenching of Teeth
Teeth clenching is one ailment that your dentist frequently treats. Conscious behaviors like this and grinding your teeth can seriously harm the enamel and hurt teeth. In addition to causing teeth to chip, crack, or break, jaw clenching can cause the molars to move. This can cause the teeth in the area to shift.
- Jawbone Loss
As we age naturally, our bone structure loses density and becomes more prone to breaks and cracks from minor blows. This also applies to our jawbone. The jawbone also starts to degenerate with the absence of one’s permanent teeth since it depends on chewing and biting to keep itself in place.
