How Aging Affects Oral Health and What You Can Do About It

Aging brings plenty of changes, and your smile is no exception. You might notice new sensitivity, shifting teeth, or gums that look a little different. The good news is that your smile can stay strong with the right dental services. 

At Drs of Smiles in Mesa, Arizona, Dr. Glenn LeSueur uses advanced training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies to help you understand why these changes happen and how to keep your mouth comfortable. When you realize how aging shapes your oral health, it becomes much easier to protect it.

How Aging Affects Your Oral Health

Aging affects the mouth in several ways, including:

• Thinning enamel: Teeth can become more sensitive and may appear slightly darker.
• Receding gums: Small pockets can form where food collects and plaque builds more easily.
• Dry mouth from medications: Reduced saliva increases the chance of developing cavities.
• Changes in dental work and alignment: Older fillings may wear down, and teeth or your bite may shift over time.

These changes can make chewing less comfortable and may even contribute to jaw tension or TMD symptoms. Dr. LeSueur’s neuromuscular training helps pinpoint these issues and guide the right treatment.

Common Dental Concerns in Older Adults

Here are some of the concerns many aging adults experience:

• Gum recession and bleeding: Often related to long-term plaque buildup.
• Loose or missing teeth: Sometimes tied to untreated gum disease.
• Difficulty chewing: Caused by worn teeth or bite changes.
• Denture discomfort: A sign that your mouth has changed shape over time.
• Cracks or fractures: Enamel becomes more vulnerable with age.
• Jaw pain or clicking: Related to bite alignment or muscle strain.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Smile

Daily habits matter more than you might think. Brushing and flossing consistently, using fluoride toothpaste, and staying hydrated will all support your enamel and gums. Regular cleanings also help us catch small problems while they are still easy to treat.

If you have dry mouth, shifting teeth, or discomfort when chewing, a personalized care plan can make a meaningful difference. Restorations, veneers, whitening, and dentures can update the function and appearance of your smile. Dr. LeSueur works with specialized labs and uses advanced technology to create these restorations.

Schedule Your Visit

Drs of Smiles brings together advanced training, cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry expertise, and modern restorative services to help you maintain a healthy smile at every stage of life. Call Drs of Smiles in Mesa, AZ, at 480-834-6991 to schedule your appointment.