How Aging Affects Your Teeth and Gums
Maintain Your Oral Health While You Age
Best Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry in Kent, WA
Aging impacts every part of your body—including your teeth and gums. As we grow older, maintaining oral health becomes more challenging but also more important. With the right care, your smile can remain strong, functional, and confident for life.
At Meridian Dental Clinic in Kent, WA, we help patients of all ages navigate the changes that come with aging smiles. From preventive treatments to advanced restorative and cosmetic solutions like fillers in Kent WA or clear aligners, our goal is to support lifelong oral health.
How Aging Impacts Oral Health
1. Enamel Thinning
Enamel wears down over time, increasing sensitivity and vulnerability to cavities.
2. Gum Recession
Gums tend to recede with age, exposing root surfaces that aren’t protected by enamel.
3. Dry Mouth
Many medications taken for age-related health issues reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth, which increases the risk of decay.
4. Tooth Discoloration
Teeth may yellow or darken over time due to thinning enamel and years of exposure to staining agents like coffee, tea, and tobacco.
5. Bone Loss
A common consequence of missing teeth and gum disease, bone loss can affect facial appearance and the stability of remaining teeth.
Common Dental Issues in Older Adults
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gum disease
- Cavities near the roots
- Worn or missing teeth
- Loose or ill-fitting dentures
Dental Services to Support Aging Smiles
Preventive Care
Routine checkups and cleanings are essential. As a trusted family dentist in Kent, we emphasize early detection of age-related dental issues to avoid major treatments down the road.
Restorative Treatments
Missing or damaged teeth? We offer:
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Crowns and bridges
- Root canal therapy in Kent WA for infected teeth
- Full or partial dentures
- Dental implants for permanent tooth replacement
Clear Aligners
Age is just a number when it comes to orthodontics. If your teeth have shifted over time, clear aligners in Kent WA can discreetly correct alignment issues without the need for metal braces.
Cosmetic Dentistry
We offer whitening and fillers in Kent WA to help restore both the appearance of your smile and the fullness of your facial features, often affected by aging.
Emergency Care for Seniors
As we age, the risk of dental emergencies increases. Whether it's a broken crown, a lost filling, or an unexpected toothache, our dental clinic in Kent is equipped to handle urgent dental needs with compassion and speed.
Tips for a Healthy Smile at Any Age
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss or use interdental brushes
- Use a humidifier and sugar-free lozenges for dry mouth
- Avoid hard or sticky foods if you wear dentures
- Visit your dentist in Kent WA for regular exams and cleanings
Invest in Lifelong Oral Health
Just because you're aging doesn't mean your smile has to show it. With regular care and support from a skilled dental team, your teeth and gums can remain healthy, comfortable, and attractive well into your senior years.
At Meridian Dental Clinic, our mission is to provide personalized, advanced care tailored to each stage of life. Whether you need maintenance, a cosmetic touch-up, or an emergency solution, we’re your go-to dentist in Kent.
Call us today to book your visit and keep your smile vibrant for years to come.
422 E Smith St, Kent, WA, 98030