Keeping our teeth into old age is an advantage because it makes it easier to chew fresh fruit and vegetables - foods which contain important nutrients and fibre that help prevent many diseases. When older people who have difficulty chewing eat only soft, processed foods, their health may suffer as a result. Like the rest of the body, the mouth changes with age - but understanding these changes makes it easier to maintain a healthy mouth and teeth. Although this is partly because we produce less saliva as we age, a dry mouth is often a side effect of medication - your doctor or pharmacist can tell you if your medication may be a cause. If your mouth feels dry, do something about it - your mouth needs saliva to wash away food debris and help prevent tooth decay.
Mouthwashes can help keep the mouth moist too, and sugarless chewing gum can stimulate more saliva.
Ageing can contribute to decay for two reasons. One is that gums tend to recede, exposing the roots of teeth to plaque - the sticky substance that forms on teeth and causes decay. These roots are more vulnerable to decay than the rest of the tooth. Another problem is that fillings in teeth weaken with time, allowing bacteria to creep in and cause decay. By brushing teeth carefully twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste to help prevent decay.