ADOLESCENT VS. ELDERLY DENTAL PROBLEMS Q: Do dental issues get better or worse as you get older? A: Every stage of life has its challenges and opportunities; that applies to dental issues as well. Dental issues don't necessarily get worse as you age, particularly if you have been attentive to your teeth all your life. Adolescents, for instance, have to deal with gingivitis, the gum inflammation that some researchers think is a by-product of hormonal change at puberty or the result of a typical teenage diet and poor oral hygiene. They may also deal with appliances their parents opt for to straighten their teeth. The elderly, on the other hand, deal with changes like receding gums, a condition that leaves the cementum that covers each tooth's root exposed. Hence the saying, "long in the tooth" for a person who is aging. The exposed part of the tooth is susceptible to decay and to abrasion from brushing. If their oral hygiene practices have not been good through adulthood, older individuals could also be dealing with the problem of lost teeth. Older people are also prone to a potentially serious problem with wrinkling around the mouth, a condition that stems from skin not containing as much water and fat as a younger person's does. So, every age presents its challenges when it comes to oral health. The best way to be prepared for them is to visit your dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene all through your life.. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL2081421 ADOLESCENT VS. ELDERLY DENTAL PROBLEMS Q : Do dental issues get better or worse as you get older ? A : Every stage of life has its challenges and opportunities ; that applies to dental issues as well . Dental issues don't necessarily get worse as you age , particularly if you have been attentive to your teeth all your life . Adolescents , for instance , have to deal with gingivitis , the gum inflammation that some researchers think is a by - product of hormonal change at puberty or the result of a typical teenage diet and poor oral hygiene . They may also deal with appliances their parents opt for to straighten their teeth . The elderly , on the other hand , deal with changes like receding gums , a condition that leaves the cementum that covers each tooth's root exposed . Hence the saying , " long in the tooth " for a person who is aging . The exposed part of the tooth is susceptible to decay and to abrasion from brushing . If their oral hygiene practices have not been good through adulthood , older individuals could also be dealing with the problem of lost teeth . Older people are also prone to a potentially serious problem with wrinkling around the mouth , a condition that stems from skin not containing as much water and fat as a younger person's does . So , every age presents its challenges when it comes to oral health . The best way to be prepared for them is to visit your dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene all through your life .. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM - CL2081421